Cellular South Sues AT&T to Block T-Mobile Acquisition
Cellular South today filed a lawsuit against AT&T today looking to block its acquisition of T-Mobile USA. The lawsuit was filed as a "related case" to those already filed by the Department of Justice, Sprint Nextel, and the states of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington. "AT&T's proposed takeover of T-Mobile would profoundly impact the interests of the wireless industry as a whole," said Eric Graham, Cellular South Vice President for Strategic & Government Relations. "If AT&T were to complete this deal, not only would it substantially lessen competition, but it would essentially consolidate the market into the hands of the 'Big Two' – AT&T and Verizon. Today's filing is another step in Cellular South's unwavering effort to pursue the best interests of competition, wireless consumers, and our nation's economy." Cellular South further contends that the merger would prevent regional carriers from obtaining the best devices in a timely fashion; would force regional carriers to pay higher roaming prices (if they can get them at all); and would raise prices, and reduce innovation, consumer choice, and competition. AT&T is scheduled to meet with the Department of Justice on Wednesday this week to discuss a possible settlement.
