Report: Feds Don't Plan On Rubber-Stamping AT&T Purchase Of T-Mobile

AT&T’s proposed $39 billion buyout of rival T-Mobile could create the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. And the mega-deal is coming under closer scrutiny by U.S. Department of Justice, say sources close to the planned marriage.

According to Bloomberg, the DoJ issued a second round of inquiries to both companies, seeking more details on the merger. The additional requests will enable the Justice Department to prolong its investigation of the deal for anti-trust implications–a concern of many experts and consumer advocacy groups such as Consumers Union, parent company of Consumer Reports and Consumerist.

It’s likely that it will take months for the Department of Justice to complete its assessment of the pending AT&T and T-Mobile merger. And the Federal Communications Commission has to weigh in as well.

In a recent interview with Consumerist, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps said he believes approving the AT&T/T-Mobile deal will be “a steep, steep, steep climb… It will have an impact on consumers. It will have an impact upon competitiveness and therefore innovation and research and development.”

As consumers, you can make your voice heard on how AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile will impact you. Shoot us an e-mail (shareyourstory@consumerist.com) or visit Consumers Union’s Hear Us Now website so we can consider adding your voice to the debate.

AT&T, T-Mobile deal to get full Justice Department review [Chicago Breaking Business]
Justice Department Said to Extend Look at AT&T T-Mobile Bid [Bloomberg]

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