TCPALM
TONY FRANSETTA:  APPROVE AT&T, T-MOBILE MERGER TO HELP SENIORS
JULY 13, 2011

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jul/13/tony-fransetta-approve-att-t-mobile-merger-to/


Over the past two decades, advancements in communications technology have enhanced the lives of Americans of all ages, at all economic levels, and in every part of our country.

Cellular mobile voice service, the Internet, wired high-speed data, and now wireless broadband have given us better and more convenient ways to shop, stay informed, and keep in touch with our families and friends.

Some may think that the revolution in communications is for the young, and that technology-challenged seniors barely know how to switch on a PC, let alone surf the Web using an iPad. But many of us are in fact sophisticated users of smartphones, email, the Internet and social media sites. These tools allow us to keep up on what's happening with children, grandchildren and friends in other parts of the country and the world; purchase the products and services we want and need, and do it with greater speed and convenience; follow the news and express our opinions on public issues; and gain access to information about health care and other matters that directly affect our lives.

As much as any demographic, seniors have a vested interest in seeing that cutting-edge communications technology is dependable, robust, and easily accessible. Although most of the country is immersed in the Digital Age, some areas — including many rural regions and small communities — don't have adequate service. This makes it difficult if not impossible for people to use their phones and tablets to access the Internet, and it places local businesses at a disadvantage as customers might not be able to communicate with them as easily as with competitors in urban or suburban areas.

Our country needs to adopt policies that encourage the expansion and extension of broadband wireless networks. Not only does wireless deployment need to move into underserved geographical areas, it must also keep up with exploding growth in demand among current users. Global Internet traffic is quadrupling every year. U.S. consumer demand for high-speed wireless is exploding, and estimates call for growth by 2015 to be as much as 10 times what it was last year. We need networks that can offer high-quality, dependable broadband to as many Americans as possible.

While it is no small task, a first and important step from the federal government should be to approve the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile USA.

When the companies get the go-ahead from the Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Justice Department, their combined efficiencies in spectrum — as well as greater network capacity — will result in improved voice and data services for AT&T and T-Mobile customers. But the most important benefits would come in the long run. The merged companies would have the necessary resources and investment capacity to bring state-of-the-art wireless data service to an additional 55 million Americans.

Following the merger, AT&T has committed to increase its investment by $8 billion, which would extend AT&T's wireless network to cover more than 97 percent of Americans, compared with just 80 percent now. This will go a long way toward bringing 4th Generation wireless technologies to many retired people who live in or visit rural areas.

Not only will this be a plus for seniors; it will also provide new jobs in the wireless industry, create opportunities for entrepreneurs, and stimulate economic activity at a time when the country badly needs it. Labor organizations, including the Communications Workers of America, have shown support for the merger, and 20,000 of T-Mobile's employees will have the option to organize in the workplace and join a union if they choose.

The AT&T/T-Mobile merger would be beneficial for seniors in Florida and throughout the country. It would also be a win for consumers and businesses — particularly small businesses, which drive the U.S. economy. I urge the federal government to approve it.