SYRACUSE -- The State Attorney General is reviewing the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile to determine what its impact would be on Syracuse cell phone and broadband users.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman wants to ensure that less competition doesn't mean higher prices or worse service for Central New Yorkers.
The proposed merger would create the nation's largest wireless company with a total of 130 million subscribers nationwide.
The Attorney General says he will "analyze the merger for potential anti-competitive impacts on consumers and businesses in Central New York."
"When two major wireless companies merge, that means there's less competition in the industry and the impact could end up being felt in consumers' wallets. Our review will examine the potential impact on Syracuse area consumers to ensure that this merger does not mean higher prices and less innovation," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "Cell phones are a basic necessity in neighborhoods all across the state and T-Mobile, in particular, completes in many Upstate regions. The purpose of our review is to ensure that Central New Yorkers are protected against higher prices at a time when every penny makes a difference."
There are already concerns nationwide about the proposed merger. Check out this article in the Los Angeles Times which explorers potential pitfalls for consumers.
In this New Jersey Star-Ledger article, there's talk of pricier plans and mediocre customer service if the merger goes through.
And read this CNN Money article. It tries to sort out fact from fiction and what the potential merger will mean for you.
What do you think? Are you concerned about the proposed merger of AT&T and T-mobile? Do you think it's too far reaching for one cell phone provider? Do you think it will lead to fewer lost calls and more reliable coverage? Or more expensive plans and mediocre customer service? Leave your thoughts below.
