7 states throw their support behind DOJ antitrust action against AT&T

Rich Fiscus
16 Sep 2011 18:58

Seven states have joined the Department Of Justice antitrust lawsuit opposing the purchase of T-Mobile USA by AT&T.
Citing concerns over a lack of competition, the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington threw their support behind the suit.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said:

We must do everything we can to encourage innovation and job creation. In vulnerable upstate communities, where concentration in some markets is already very high, and in New York City’s information-intensive economy, the impact this merger would have on wireless competition, economic growth, and technological innovation would be enormous.

Shneiderman's office was involved in the Justice Department investigation of the AT&T / T-Mobile deal, and was also instrumental in a parallel review conducted by various states. Five New York cities, including New York City, Rochester & Syracuse, are among dozens specifically listed in the lawsuit as areas where the reduced competition is likely to affect prices.
This follows a letter by 15 US Representatives yesterday urging President Obama to halt the DOJ's efforts to block the deal.