Mayors support AT&T/T-Mobile merger

AT&T announced Wednesday that 102 mayors from around the country support the company's proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA.

“Perhaps no one is closer to the needs of local communities than America’s mayors. So we’re especially pleased that over a hundred of these elected officials have recognized the importance to their cities and towns of our merger with T-Mobile,” said James Cicconi, AT&T's vice president of external and legislative affairs.  

The mayors cited potential job growth and improved mobile broadband access as reasons to support the deal.

 “Because small business is the lifeblood of our regional economy, I’m confident that the improvements and efficiencies they experience as a result of the AT&T/T-Mobile merger will translate into a boost for our regional economy," said Kevin Johnson, mayor of Sacramento, Calif. "The significant investment in our infrastructure will provide faster wireless technologies which will help our small businesses and our growing tech sector stay competitive.”

In a press release announcing the mayors' support, AT&T noted 26 governors and 11 state attorneys general have also endorsed the deal.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department are currently reviewing the transaction. According to AT&T, they expect a decision by the end of the first quarter 2012.

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