Lawmakers question AT&T acquisition of T-Mobile

Source: ComputerWorld

May 26, 2011 03:41 PM ET

IDG News Service - AT&T's proposed acquisition of rival mobile carrier T-Mobile USA would give customers fewer choices and drive up prices, some U.S. lawmakers said Thursday.

Several members of the House Judiciary Committee's competition subcommittee questioned during a hearing whether the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission should allow the $39 billion deal to happen.

"I see absolutely no redeeming reason for this merger to go through," said Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), the senior member on the full committee.

The merger could cost many jobs at the two companies and could lead to higher prices for mobile plans, Conyers said. "Normally, at antitrust hearings, we get the promises that there won't be losses of jobs and they won't raise the rates," he said. "The thing I like about these witnesses is, they don't even promise that. I thank you for your evasiveness on this issue."

Read more: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9217098/Lawmakers_question_AT_T_acquisition_of_T_Mobile

NOT!

And what about that "the market" will set pricing? What happens when there is no market and only ONE provider?

...such a load of bs.

at&t formly southwester bell is a gigantic repuke contributor.

I have t-mobile and I'm pissed. I left southwestern bell around the time they became at&t because their service sucked.

now they suck me back in.

I guess it's verizon for me now when my contract expires.