AT&T Files Concerns With SBC/Ameritech Merger Company Applauds IURC for Initiating Investigation – Company Business and Marketing
AT&T Monday filed its concerns over the proposed SBC/Ameritech merger with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), agreeing with the commission that several issues must be examined in the commission’s investigation of the merger.
“We believe it is in the best interest of Hoosiers that the commission hold full and complete hearings in this case,” said Mike Tye, AT&T regional vice president for law and government affairs.
“Ameritech Indiana is by far the dominant provider of local exchange services in Indiana and serves more than two million customers,” continued Tye, “and the proposed merger not only impacts the millions of customers who rely on Ameritech for local service but also competitive local exchange companies that must rely largely on Ameritech’s network to compete. Consequently, hearings are necessary to assure that the merger does not have an adverse impact on customers or competition.”
In its filing, AT&T cited concerns that the merger would affect the state of telephone competition in Indiana and might also impact employment levels, quality of service and even rates. “In this case, Ameritech and SBC must demonstrate that their merger will promote competition,” added Tye.
“In our view, the IURC should schedule hearings to determine whether the proposed merger will promote competition in the Indiana local exchange market and allow interested parties to participate in the process,” said Tye. “Then, after the commission has gathered all the relevant facts, the IURC can determine whether this proposed merger will promote competition in Indiana.”
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