Rep. Mike Thompson endorses AT&T deal

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) endorsed AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile in a letter obtained by The Hill.

“I urge that the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission expeditiously review and approve the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile,” Thompson wrote in his letter to the heads of the two agencies responsible for reviewing the deal. “Once approved, this merger will allow AT&T to significantly expand and strengthen its broadband network, better serving constituents in Northern California and nationwide.”

Thompson noted the rapid growth in demand for wireless broadband has led to a “spectrum crunch” for AT&T. “If approved, this merger would bring the added benefit of increasing the spectrum available to AT&T, allowing them to expand its latest generation 4G broadband network,” he wrote.

Thompson argued the merger would be good for his constituents.  “Many communities in my district clearly gain expanded and improved service under this merger,” he wrote. “It is my strong hope however, that if and when this merger is approved, AT&T will remain committed to continued critical infrastructure investments in the remaining rural communities who do not yet enjoy access to their services.”

Thompson is the latest lawmaker to pick a side in the debate over the merger between the telecommunication giants. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced his opposition to the deal Tuesday.

  

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