AT&T/T-Mobile merger hurts poor

[Commentary] Monopoly can be a terrific game to play with the kids at home. But there are strict rules and guidelines that prevent us from playing the game in the business world – and rightly so. In business, a monopoly means one thing: the rich get richer, while the poor get left behind. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission began its review of AT&T’s proposed merger with T-Mobile. The investigation will analyze the effect this merger could have on market consolidation and overall spectrum management. The Justice Department will focus on whether or not the deal accords with antitrust laws. But the FCC and Justice must analyze more than the effect this merger could have on the nameless market; they must give serious consideration to the people who could be most affected. Like in Monopoly, AT&T is trying to buy the best real estate on the block. If the FCC and Justice allow this merger of telecom giants to happen, it will be consumers – particularly lower income and minority wireless users – who won't be able to pass “Go” or collect $200.