The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has responded to the news that the Justice Department is suing to block the proposed $39 billion AT&T merger with T-Mobile.
In a brief statement FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski suggested his agency, which is also reviewing the deal, has deep reservations about it.
“By filing suit today, the Department of Justice has concluded that AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile would substantially lessen competition in violation of the antitrust laws. Competition is an essential component of the FCC’s statutory public interest analysis, and although our process is not complete, the record before this agency also raises serious concerns about the impact of the proposed transaction on competition.
Vibrant competition in wireless services is vital to innovation, investment, economic growth and job creation, and to drive our global leadership in mobile. Competition fosters consumer benefits, including more choices, better service and lower prices.”
Previously, Genachowski said that competition and market share would be key factors in his agency’s review of the merger deal.
