Consumer Groups Petition FCC to Block AT&T Wireless, Cingular Merger Citing Massive Consolidation Problems

WASHINGTON - May 4 - Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America filed a petition to block the AT&T Wireless/Cingular merger, citing anticipated higher prices and diminished quality of service in the wireless market from consolidating the nation's second and third largest cell phone companies.

"This merger proposes an unacceptable level of concentration at the national level, clearly in violation of the merger guidelines," states the petition filed Monday with the Federal Communications Commission, which will determine the merger outcome. "But the anti-competitive effects this merger will have on local markets is of even greater concern."