FCC hears from AT&T supporters, opponents

AT&T's proposed acquisition gave rise to a stark set of arguments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on May 31 in the first official deadline of a review process that could extend well over a year.

If not an occasion for novel insights about the deal, which has already faced the gamut of arguments during public debate, the deadline still marks an important opportunity for opponents and supporters to officially log their opinions with federal regulators after sounding off in the press and on Capitol Hill for several weeks. That means an array of groups lining up on each side, ranging from blatant front groups funded by the dominant players to significant voices whose opinions could be persuasive in the review process. Anyone who files a petition to deny the deal becomes a part of the proceeding and may have access to confidential information that is filed under a protective order. Microsoft, for instance, decided to file in favor of the merger in what could be an important counter argument to concerns that the merger could harm the tech industry. Meanwhile, the leading opponents included public interest groups, third-largest wireless carrier Sprint and regional carriers. The groups say the deal could raise prices by eliminating a low-cost competitor.