AT&T Offers FCC More Data on Proposed Merger

AT&T is expected to submit a filing to the Federal Communications Commission on July 25 with a technical explanation on how combining its network with T-Mobile's will create new capacity, a key argument it has made in advocating for the merger.

AT&T argues that merging the two companies' cell networks will create new capacity for smart phones and tablets just as networks are under increasing strain. AT&T also submitted filings to the FCC on July 22, again at the agency's request. One filing aimed to beat back arguments that the merger will kill innovation in the handset market. The other one reinforced AT&T's view that competition in the wireless market should be reviewed on a local basis--where various companies offer service--rather than a national basis, where just four companies compete, including T-Mobile.

"It is clear that AT&T's submission of a new justification for taking over T-Mobile is exactly like the coach of a losing team calling time out so he can work the referees. While the Federal Communications Commission stops its merger review process to examine the new plan, AT&T will use the time to spend more millions of dollars lobbying federal, state and local officials and recruiting non-governmental groups to support what is clearly a failing action," Public Knowledge President Gigi Sohn said.