U.S. Government Moving to Block AT&T's Acquisition of T-Mobile

att_logoBloomberg reports that the U.S. government filed a complaint today seeking a court order to block AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile. Antitrust concerns are at the heart of the complaint:

AT&T’s elimination of T-Mobile as an independent, low- priced rival would remove a significant competitive force from the market.

AT&T first announced its intent to acquire T-Mobile in March, stating that the merger would increase the company's network quality and expand the reach of its LTE capabilities.

AT&T was the only carrier offering the iPhone in the U.S. from its release in 2007 until its exclusive agreement ended earlier this year when Verizon began offering the iPhone 4 in February.

Although T-Mobile has never been an official iPhone carrier in the U.S., the company claimed that over one million iPhones were running on its network earlier this summer. Just last week there were reports that T-Mobile USA would begin offering the iPhone 5 at its release, which is widely expected in October.

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Top Rated Comments

NT1440 Avatar
175 months ago
Thank god, AT&T is bigger today than it was when it had to be split up all those years ago. The only reason cell companies have been allowed to get this big is because their lobbyists managed to convince congress that wireless connectivity shouldn't be subject to the same regulations that physical landline services are.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Geckotek Avatar
175 months ago
I hope they are successful. This was a bad move for consumers.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
saving107 Avatar
175 months ago
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-31/u-s-files-antitrust-complaint-to-block-proposed-at-t-t-mobile-merger.html

http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/us-government-files-to-block-propsed-atandt-t-mobile-merger/

Discuss!
Is this becoming a new thing now on this forum,

1. Start a new thread
2. Post some links
3. Followed by the word "Discuss" and nothing else.

I've been noticing this more and more and I'm puzzled as to why.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tarzanman Avatar
175 months ago
why?

Probably because he has AT&t and misery loves company
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
soco Avatar
175 months ago
This is GREAT news!

I was truly afraid the DOJ wouldn't have the balls to step in, so I'm absolutely, and pleasantly surprised.

GET 'EM BOYS!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr Maui Avatar
175 months ago
Apple Acquisition ??

Perhaps Apple should acquire T-Mobile now, expand to build their own cell network, and screw them all! :D
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)