Ownership Consolidation Critics Jump on AT&T Leap Deal

Ownership consolidation critics were quick to criticize AT&T's announcement that it had struck a deal to buy Leap Wireless and its Cricket pre-paid service. Both Free Press and Public Knowledge immediately called on the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice to reject the deal.

"After its failed attempt to merge with T-Mobile, AT&T is back again, this time trying to gobble up another competitor in Leap," said Free Press president Craig Aaron. "We urge the Justice Department and the FCC to reject this latest attempt by AT&T to swallow a competitor."

Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge, said, "AT&T already has more wireless capacity than it needs to serve its customers -- if it would focus on using what it has rather than continuing to try to buy out competitors. AT&T needs to stop trying to build market share with mergers and focus on building a better network....The Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission need to say 'no' to this latest effort by AT&T to buy out its rivals and rebuild 'Ma Cell.'"