FCC Approves SBC/AT&T and Verizon/MCI Mergers

[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission approved the mergers of SBC Communications with AT&T and Verizon Communications with MCI. The Commission concluded that consumers will reap the rewards of the public interest benefits that will flow from these mergers: integration of complementary networks; stable, reliable U.S.-owned companies that will provide improved service to government customers and benefit national defense and homeland security [we're feeling safer already]; increased economies of scale and scope for the merged companies; and substantial cost savings which, in theory, will be passed on to customers. The FCC did adopt 13 conditions on the mergers including: offering "naked DSL", DSL rate freezes for 30 months, and a two year commitment to conduct business in a way that comports with the Commission's Internet policy statement issued in September. (There's lots of coverage/reaction to this action. See more at the bottom of this email.)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-261936A1.doc

* Mega-Mergers Get Thumbs Up From FCC
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-SEXU1130793719558.html