NUL, NAN Say AT&T/T-Mobile Would Foster Broadband, Create Jobs

The National Urban League and the National Action Network told the Federal Communications Commission that the two civil-rights organizations recommend approval of AT&T’s proposed purchase of T-Mobile USA.

In a joint filing with the FCC, the organizations stated that they had reviewed the proposed merger, considered its consequences and spoke with both AT&T executives and opponents of the $39 billion transaction. “Based on our due diligence, we have now reached the definitive view that the merger deserves to be approved,” wrote Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, in written comments to FCC members. “Information and communications technologies industries provide one of the most extensive job and entrepreneurship opportunities for black and urban communities,” Morial said Monday, in a statement announcing the joint filing. “In 2002, only 42,000 minority-owned businesses were in the information sector — one of the lowest levels of minority participation. Triggering minority participation in technology industries is critical for a robust, long-term recovery.”