Groups want field hearings on AT&T/T-Mobile merger

A coalition of advocacy groups wrote to Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski on Tuesday asking him to hold field hearings on AT&T's proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA.

The groups, which include Public Knowledge, Consumers Union, and Media Access Project, cite the FCC's field hearing in Chicago on the NBC Universal-Comcast merger and ask Genachowski to hold a series of publis hearings around the country to discuss the implications of the merger.

"Your testimony makes clear that the FCC has become a leader in providing online tools that allow the agency to communicate to the public and the public to communicate to the agency," the groups state.

"But as the Commission realizes, online participation is not enough—particularly when millions of Americans do not have adequate broadband access. Therefore, public hearings will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to provide their input directly to the Commission."

The groups argued the merger would essentially reduce the wireless market to a duopoly leading to higher prices for consumers and less innovation. They urged the Commission to scrutinize the transaction as closely as possible.

"If approved, the merger would have serious repercussions around the country," the letter states. "The Commission should not consider this merger without seeking direct input from those most impacted."

Update: An AT&T spokesman responded to the groups' request via email on Tuesday afternoon with a statement citing AT&T's commitment to deploy next-generation wireless broadband to 98 percent of the nation once the merger is approved.

"The FCC has received extensive public comment on this transaction as well as more than a million pages of documents. And while the formal pleading cycle is closed, interested members of the public continue to make their views known in filings at the FCC."

The length of the review and number of conditions attached to the NBC-Comcast deal drew criticism of its own from Republicans and industry, who argued the Commission went beyond its duty to ensure the transaction wouldn't adversely affect competition in related markets.

House Energy and Commerce Telecom subpanel chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) is currently drafting legislation that would reform processes at the FCC and institute a shot clock for merger reviews such as AT&T/T-Mobile so they can't extend indefinitely.

Full committee ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) criticized the effort, arguing Republicans are trying to make procedural changes for political reasons and suggesting the bill is a reaction to the conditions imposed on Comcast as part of the merger.

This post was updated at 4:44 p.m.