I think the AT&T and T-mobile merger is a very bad idea in terms of competition and pricing, from the
viewpoint of a consumer I don't see this merger adding anything of value to my already limited
choices. Small carriers would never have a chance to compete or gain any kind of ground on these
super companies. Its already a very steep hill to climb to gain 3G access and to put that power in
only a handful of companies just doesn't seem logical or beneficial. I personally feel, that AT&T does
not care about the interest of consumer but rather in how to deal with the growing threat of Verizon
and the few underling companies that are eating at their market share. Nothing about this deal feels
to me that its in the interest to the consumer. Its about shareholders and market dominance.
In the long term, there's nothing to stop them from cutting their astronomical operation and
manufacturing costs by outsourcing jobs in technical support and looking for more foreign companies
to manufacture their phones. I just don't see how letting this uber company gain more power will
benefit the American consumer.
So, I feel as an American consumer this merger just isn't beneficial to me or the economy or tiny
businesses. Free reign over 3G access is most undoubtedly a bad idea for Net Neutrality and open
competition. I hope that this merger doesn't happen on the grounds of having the best interest of the
American people at heart.