NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] DoJ sues to block AT&T/T-Mobile merger (multiple stories)
DoJ sues to block AT&T/T-Mobile merger (multiple stories) U.S. Moves to Block AT&T Merger with T-Mobile http://j.mp/qcdtQ6 (New York Times) On AT&T, U.S. Chooses Law Over Politics http://j.mp/of02cO (WSJ) DOJ files antitrust suit to block AT&T merger with T-Mobile http://j.mp/qXTv84 (CNN) - - - This is not the end of the story, of course. It is, however, perhaps some very welcome and appropriate light at the end of the tunnel. At least one story notes that T-Mobile was the innovator who originally supported Android -- a crucial step in creating smartphone competition to Apple. CNN notes that when DoJ sued to block Google's takeover of ITA (airline search services), there was a relatively quick settlement with concessions afterwards. However, given the very strong statements by DoJ officials today, it's difficult to see how any typical concession regime would permit DoJ to lift its objections to the AT&T/T-Mobile merger. Last night I noted that AT&T had just tried to sweeten the political pot again, by offering to return 5K offshore call center jobs to the U.S. *if* the merger were approved (but not otherwise, a condition I strongly criticized). An unsubstantiated rumor is that in light of today's DoJ action, AT&T has at least temporarily postponed a new offer they were going to make -- to buy each FCC commissioner a new home, a yacht, and a pony. --Lauren-- Lauren Weinstein (lauren@vortex.com): http://www.vortex.com/lauren Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org Founder: - Network Neutrality Squad: http://www.nnsquad.org - Global Coalition for Transparent Internet Performance: http://www.gctip.org - PRIVACY Forum: http://www.vortex.com Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com Google+: http://vortex.com/g+lauren Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenweinstein Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com