RCA Chairman Hu Meena Testifies on Negative Impacts of Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lucy Tutwiler
May 11, 2011 (202) 449-9866
RCA Chairman Hu Meena Testifies on Negative Impacts of Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
Washington, DC – Today, Hu Meena, President & CEO of Cellular South and RCA Chairman of the Board, testified before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights regarding AT&T’s proposed takeover of T-Mobile. Speaking on behalf of RCA’s competitive carriers, Meena emphasized the negative impact that consolidation of the largest carriers will have on consumers, job growth, competition and innovation in the once-thriving wireless industry. Meena restated RCA’s opposition to the AT&T/T-Mobile acquisition and urged the Subcommittee to act on behalf of every competitive carrier and small business by opposing the proposed merger.
In his testimony, Meena stated, “At a time when the American economy is struggling to get back on its feet, our priority should be on preventing the emergence of a duopoly that would require heavy regulation. Policy-makers should act to preserve competitive, innovative markets that use private capital to create jobs while providing consumers with robust choices of products and services…AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile removes a significant competitive carrier partner and advocate from America’s wireless marketplace. The wireless industry is a nation-wide market, and the ripple effect of this merger will resonate throughout every household in the United States.”
In a statement regarding the hearing, RCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “I thank Hu Meena for testifying on behalf of competitive carriers, and I am very pleased the Subcommittee was able to hear about the numerous devastating effects an AT&T/T-Mobile merger would have on the wireless industry, and especially smaller carriers. Despite talk to the contrary, the proposed merger does nothing to benefit consumers in unserved and underserved areas, and further industry consolidation could force many small businesses across the nation to close their doors. I cannot imagine that any member of Congress would want to see that happen in his or her district, and I strongly urge Congress, the FCC and the Department of Justice to consider the potentially ruinous effects the proposed acquisition will have on the wireless marketplace.”
About RCA
RCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers serving rural and regional areas of the United States. The licensed service area of RCA’s nearly 100 members covers more than 80 percent of the nation.
# # #
