New York Attorney General To Look Into AT&T Purchase Of T-Mobile

Looks like Sprint isn’t the only one with concerns about the pending $39 billion sale of T-Mobile to AT&T. The Attorney General for the state of New York has announced that his office will be conducting a “thorough review” of the deal.

Saying that the deal would open the door to a “near duopoly shared by the merged firm and Verizon,” AG Eric Schneiderman has called for his office to investigate the potential anti-competitive impacts of the deal for both consumers and businesses.

Here’s what Mr. Schneiderman had to say for himself:

Cell phones are no longer a luxury for a few among us, but a basic necessity. The last thing New Yorkers need during these difficult economic times is to see cell phone prices rise… Affordable wireless service and technology, including smart phones and next generation handheld devices, are the bridge to the digital broadband future. We want to ensure all New Yorkers benefit from these important innovations that improve lives.

He points out that consumers in many parts of the state already suffer from having too few options when it comes to wireless providers and that many people will be hurt if the lower-cost option of T-Mobile is taken out of the equation.

A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN TO UNDERTAKE THOROUGH REVIEW OF AT&T, T-MOBILE MERGER [NY.gov]

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