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Three Republican members of Congress aren’t happy with the recent decision by the Department of Justice to block AT&T’s proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile.
In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, Representatives Joe Barton (R-Tex.), Fred Upton (R-Mich.), and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) asked for briefings describing the specific concerns of both agencies and “how these concerns relate to the impact on jobs and economic growth.”
Related links
Justice Dept. to block AT&T’s T-Mobile deal
AT&T responds to Justice Department lawsuit
AT&T fighting to save T-Mobile deal
What DOJ’s decision means for AT&T-T-Mobile merger (FAQ)
“Please be prepared to describe the process each agency used, including the extent to which each agency has been considering the impact on jobs and economic growth,” the letter said. “It is important that government officials reserve judgment until all the facts have come to light.”
Though the FCC is still reviewing the merger, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit on August 31 against the deal saying that it would lessen competition in the wireless industry and lead to higher prices, poorer quality services, fewer choices, and fewer innovative products.
AT&T has since responded to the DOJ’s suit, and the two parties will present their case to Judge Ellen Huvelle during a hearing that starts September 21.
