Corporations don't die...

[tw]

Originally Posted by Lamplighter

The merger was concocted to give AT&T a larger influence over the industry, "added spectrum"

Other cell phone companies needed no additional spectrum. To support more phones, one simply breaks a cell into smaller cells. Doubles, Triples, or quadruples the number of phones supported in that cell. Other simple techniques include directional antennas. Each antenna serving a different slice of the cell.

AT&T's own memo says why they want to spend $39 billion for Cingular to eliminate competition. To provide same service while giving the customer even less alternative choices. It is exactly what a business school graduate would do and exactly what product oriented management would never do.

It is also what the George Jr administration did to the internet. To eliminate all but two big providers in every region. As a result, internet service in America quickly fell from the world's top ten. George Jr's administration also was concerned for profits - enriching their campaign donors. Not about free markets and better customer service. AT&T is simply doing what Michael Powel, et al were doing to maximize profits; stifle innovation; the product (and consumer) be damned.

They only say they need more spectrum because so many cannot see through that myth. Similar myths also proved that steel and memory chip industries needed to be protected from unfair competition, that Kodak needed protection from unfair film competition, that American automakers needed protection from superior designed overseas cars, and that drug prices must be maintained 40% higher to protect big Pharma. In each case, that company or industry was operating to the detriment of America. Was only concerned about the profits and management bonuses. Even blamed the workers. And therefore continued making obsolete products or buggy whips.

AT&T will spend massive sums to protect their profit margins from companies that bother to innovate. Its another classic example of management that cost controls rather than advance mankind.