The proposed T-Mobile USA and AT&T wireless merger would be a significant step backwards
because of the enormous power two wireless carriers (AT&T and Verizon) would have on the U.S
wireless phone service market, stifling competition and innovation - something AT&T has denied time
and time again but past experiences have shown it to be all but true. Both carriers would create in
effect a duopoly in which the consumers would have little choice but to play (and pay) by the rules
created by these two companies. Higher plan and service prices, less network neutrality(higher
roaming prices for smaller carriers), elimination of unlimited data plans(currently offered by Verizon,
Sprint, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, etc), cumbersome contracts with high early termination fees, paid
tethering option(currently free with T-Mobile and Sprint), higher equipment prices, among many other
drawbacks are all but certain to become a reality if this deal is approved without requiring major
concessions from AT&T for consumers.