AT&T and BellSouth plan to merge into a single colossus (it also includes Cingular wireless). The merger is the largest yet among U.S. telecom players. AT&T, already the nation’s largest telecommunications company, will become the largest broadband provider with nearly 10 million subscribers. This deal must be protested and stopped.

It would resurrect the Ma Bell monopoly that was busted up in 1984 with even more drastic results. We are still in the days of partially-connected media systems, but are moving into a convergence of all digital media – television, telephone, internet, etc. No one company can be allowed to take control as the gatekeepers, and no one company can be allowed to set the policies and prices. This deal would leave consumers with fewer choices, higher prices and less control over their communications.

AT&T and BellSouth have a poor track record serving Americans. They have stifled competition, eliminating choices in the marketplace. They have not kept up with global competitors. They have not bridged the “digital divide.” They appear to have little if any interest in protecting network freedoms that keep the Internet an open road for all. This is a bigger issue than many realize.

Both AT&T and BellSouth have publicly discussed pricing plans that undermine the freedoms that keep the internet open to all.

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