The recent news of AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA is exciting for Wisconsin. On March 20, AT&T announced its plans to acquire the German- owned telecommunications company in a deal that will not only advance the U.S.’s leadership in mobile broadband, but will also make super high-speed wireless broadband available to most Americans.
That’s great news for Wisconsin. By combining the networks of these two major telecom providers, Wisconsin consumers will see significant benefits – from improved voice and data service to greater access to fast wireless Internet services. This proposed merger will also substantially expand the introduction of 4G technology to 95 percent of all Americans — including tens of thousands of people here in Wisconsin who currently do not have access to this latest technology and likely would not have access without this merger.
There’s no doubt: Technology has revolutionized our world – from how we communicate… to how we do business… to how we entertain and socialize. As the National Broadband Plan puts it: “Like electricity a century ago, broadband is a foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life.”
With this merger and AT&T’s expansion of 4G, many more Wisconsin residents will have access to faster technologies. 4G technology means mobile devices can be as fast as – or even faster – than wired laptops. It also means that mobile devices can be less expensive and more accessible than PCs or laptops – increasing access to these technologies to many more individuals who otherwise might not be able to afford them.
This new digital age also means that companies need expanded wireless coverage and increased speeds to do business in the global economy. This proposed merger promises to deliver both, helping companies grow, expand and better compete and stimulating additional investment and job creation. For many businesses small and large alike, the expansion of 4G technology means that anything that used to be done in the office can be accomplished on mobile devices, saving both time and money.
Mobile broadband has become one of the most vital tools for education and economic development. Yet while new broadband technologies have clearly brought tremendous benefits to many Americans, these benefits have not reach all businesses, communities and American workers – including many in low income and minority populations. Expanded access to wireless and broadband technologies is crucial to economic and educational success, and all Americans should be able to enjoy the benefits of broadband opportunity.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of this proposed merger is that it will help bridge the digital divide and will bring the tremendous benefits of mobile broadband to minority and low-income communities throughout Wisconsin. That’s significant – and exciting – news for these communities.
The bottom line: AT&T’s proposed merger with TMobile promises to bring considerable benefits to Wisconsin consumers – from expanded wireless coverage to increased speeds to better service to increased access to the latest 4G technologies for many more Wisconsin families. This is an acquisition that will clearly benefit nearly all Americans and federal regulators should approve it.
