Friday, July 22, 2011

Labor and Consumer Groups Split Over AT&T Merger Plan

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is in the process of reviewing the proposed 39 billion dollars acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T. If the deal goes through, AT&T will overtake Verizon Wireless as the nation’s largest cell phone service provider. The FCC is gathering public comments and has received more than 10,000 registered messages on its website, most are opposed to what they call the takeover’s anticompetitive effects. Next week, the FCC is expected to receive a new assessment of the merger from AT&T. Afterwards, it will review data and feedback from third parties including the California Public Utilities Commission. Last night, more than 200 people packed a hotel conference room in Los Angeles to offer their opinion. Pacifica’s Ernesto Arce was at the Sheraton Culver City. He files this report from Los Angeles.