Comments on: DOJ approves telecom megamergers

U.S. Department of Justice gives the green light on the Verizon-MCI merger and the SBC-AT&T transaction.

[sanenazok]

Party like it's 1984

AT&T is back providing local phone service in much of the US. I'm so happy I can't wait for prices to climb through the roof.

[perfrog]

Same As It Ever Was Almost

Let us review(for those that were not here before divestiture). In 1984, we had AT&T, controlling all the Bell Companies; GTE, controlling the Urban subdivisions of cities, and smaller independent companies, offering Rural service. Now, back then that was considered a monopoly to AT&T(who by the way, invented, and furnished free, all the equipment). So Our government, through the courts, forced all AT&T holdings to be sub-divided and sold off. This move resulted the loss of many great upper end carrers, which have never been replaced. Divestiture's largest influence was on the consumer, the loss of FREE equipment, cost and quality of service. The operative word is FREE. Ok, I know this is a very "Reader's Digest" version, but space IS limited.
Now, 11 years later, we have SBC(Southwestern Bell under AT&T) that has totally eliminated AT&T with a buyout; Verizon(formerly GTE), eliminating MCI, in the Urban position; Sprint/Nextel, taking over the Rural position; T-Mobile, owned by Deutsche Telekom; and various other small Celluar companies, fillimg in the independent position.
What has changed? Look at your phone bill. Mine has NEVER cost less, as divestiture promised in 1984, since the split. I have to buy my equipment, and repair my line myself(or hire someone). Who benefitted?

[bobby_brady]

There goes some more competition

Thanks to the government!

[appletoys]

What I would like to know is.....

What I would 'really' like to know is
WHAT THE DOJ (Department of 'justice') IS GETTING OUT OF THIS!!!