Merging Interests: The SBC/AT&T Merger PRI Briefing 5.1.2005
The United States has fallen far behind other countries in both broadband deployment and speed, so when a company such as SBC works to make itself more competitive, most would consider that a positive step. Unfortunately, a number of interests are attempting to slow SBC down or gain some advantage. If indulged, hese actions will harm all Americans.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently considering the SBC/AT&T merger. It has heard from a number of different constituencies about the proposed marriage, and it seems that given the opportunity, almost everyone will ask for a kickback in the process of allowing the merger to go through. But the FCC’s goal should be to evaluate whether the merger is congruent with the Communications Act and other statutory rules, not to hand out goodies to those that come asking.
