REC Networks is pleased to hear the news today that AT&T and Deutsche Telekom have announced that they will no longer be pursuing the proposed merger of AT&T with T-Mobile.
REC was one of a few dozen entities who filed a formal Petition to Deny with the Federal Communications Commission to oppose this merger. In our filing, we pointed out that the merger would create a single Global System for Mobile (GSM) provider which would eliminate handset portability between competing providers. It would have also created a "captive audience" environment for foreign travelers visiting the United States with GSM handsets from their home countries this creating only one possible rate for international roaming services.
While we did have to raise issues regarding the concept of the "No Takeover" campaign material, which we were able to resolve, REC congratulates all of the organizations involved in the No Takeover Project including Center for Media Justice and Media Access Project as well as the many other organizations who opposed this move which would have been overall, very anti-consumer and anti-competitive.
REC evaluates media and telecommunications mergers, especially when such mergers can create issues with our industry and demographic areas of interest.
Thank you to the thousands of you who filed comments with the FCC to oppose this merger.
This is nice news to end the year on. Everyone, please have a happy holiday.
Michi Eyre
founder, REC Networks
