AT&T Should Relinquish Handsets If Buying Centennial

Cincinnati Bell Wireless told the Federal Communications Commission that AT&T should be required to share handset designs with small wireless carriers before the Commission approves the purchase of Centennial Communications. The purchase of Centennial would "deprive smaller carriers of an ally and consortium partner in buying arrangements," Cincinnati Bell told the FCC. The Justice Department approved the $945 million merger on Oct. 13 on condition the combined company sell wireless assets in Louisiana and Mississippi. The FCC will make a decision "very soon," Ruth Milkman, who heads the agency's wireless bureau, said at the time.