Department of Justice Agrees with NHMC, Takes Action to Block AT&T’s Takeover of T-Mobile

Today, the Department of Justice, DoJ, filed a complaint to block AT&T’s $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile. DoJ’s decision echoes concerns raised by the National Hispanic Media Coalition, NHMC , since AT&T announced this transaction earlier this year.

In a press conference this morning, Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole said, “The Department filed its lawsuit because we believe the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile would result in tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for their mobile wireless services.”

In a press release, DoJ went on to say, “AT&T could obtain substantially the same network enhancements that it claims will come from the transaction if it simply invested in its own network without eliminating a close competitor.”

“We are pleased, but not surprised, that DoJ has come to the same conclusions as NHMC with regard to this transaction’s effect on prices, consumer choice, and competition. We applaud DoJ for taking this important step to prevent consumers from being steamrolled over in AT&T’s brazen attempt to pad its pockets and eliminate competition,” states Alex Nogales, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition.

“The Obama administration is sending a signal that consumers come first, even in the face of intense pressure from big business. We expect that DoJ will prevail,” adds Jessica J. González, NHMC Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs.

Watch a short educational video explaining why AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile is harmful to Latinos: http://www.nhmc.org