Sprint Calls DOJ’s Move to Block AT&T, T-Mobile Merger a ‘Decisive Victory for Consumers’

A senior vice president of Government Affairs for Sprint has applauded the Department of Justice's move to block a merger between AT&T and T-Mobile.

Vonya B. McCann has issued a statement noting that by filing the lawsuit to block AT&T's proposed $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile, the Justice Department has put consumers' interests first.

The [Department of Justice] today delivered a decisive victory for consumers, competition and our country, McCann said, calling the decision as just one, which will ensure that consumers continue to reap the benefits of a competitive U.S. wireless industry.

AT&T Inc. has said the $39 billion deal will bring another 5,000 call-center jobs to the United States.

However, McCann refuted that statement.

Contrary to AT&T's assertions, today's action will preserve American jobs, strengthen the American economy, and encourage innovation, McCann said.

AT&T announced the deal in March. The FCC is continuing its review of the proposed acquisition, which is expected to take 180 days.

The Justice Department on Wednesday filed an antitrust lawsuit to block the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile because it believes the merger will exclude competition in the market and result in higher prices, fewer choices, and lower quality products for such services.

Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole recent spoke at an AT&T/T-Mobile press conference where he said AT&T and T-Mobile are currently in a head-to-head competition in 97 of the nation's largest 100 cellular marketing areas. The two companies also compete nationwide to attract business and government customers, he added.

DOJ's 25-page complaint declares that competition in the wireless industry is essential for continued innovation and to maintain low prices.