AT&T merger deal questioned

Telecommunications giant AT&T is dodging bullets aimed at its planned merger with Tele-Communications Incorporated. Public-interest groups say the union will stifle competition; telcos say the combined company will face less regulation. Meanwhile, AT&T CEO Armstrong is still on the prowl for more deals.

Firm protests TCI-AT&T deal lead story A public-interest law firm files documents with federal regulators to block the proposed acquisition, citing cable modem access concerns AT&T eyes cable deals AT&T CEO Armstrong hopes to sign deals with several cable operators that will allow his company to bypass regional Bells and provide local phone service over cable lines. AT&T beats Street estimates update Shares of AT&T jump after the long distance telephone giant beat Wall Street expectations with profits up 66.7 percent.