Washington, D.C.— Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its intent to seek administrative hearing on the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile — an important step towards rejecting a move that would bring unprecedented concentration in the mobile marketplace.
AT&T previously sought government approval to acquire T-Mobile, which, were it approved, would see a single company control nearly half of the wireless market in the United States. Future of Music Coalition (FMC) joins a diverse array of artists, organizations and individuals in supporting the DOJ’s decision to block the merger.
The following can be attributed to Casey Rae-Hunter, Deputy Director of Future of Music Coalition:
“We applaud Chairman Julius Genachowski’s decision to move to a hearing designation, which we see as a clear recognition of the many reasons the proposed merger would negatively impact the marketplace. It is incredibly important for America’s creative entrepreneurs that access and innovation are maintained in this crucial space.”
“Greater concentration in the wireless sector would leave just a few providers free to act as gatekeepers on an important platform for creativity and commerce. Today’s announcement is good news for musicians and creative entrepreneurs whose ability to reach audiences increasingly depends on affordable and robust wireless connectivity.”
Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that seeks a bright future for creators and listeners. FMC works towards this goal through continuous interaction with its primary constituency — musicians — and in collaboration with other creator/public interest groups. More