AT&T and Deutsche Telekom Take Back FCC Application For T-Mobile Merger, Focus Is On the DoJ Now
Once word leaked to AT&T and Deutsche Telekom (the company that owns T-Mobile USA) that FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski had proposed an administrative hearing for AT&T’s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile, both companies have now decided to officially withdraw their application to the FCC.
As part of their announcement, both AT&T and Deutsche Telekom stressed their continued commitment to the deal, noting that they are still seeking final approval from the Department of Justice (DoJ).
“This formal step today is being undertaken by both companies to consolidate their strength and to focus their continuing efforts on obtaining antitrust clearance for the transaction from the Department of Justice.”
Genachowski’s call for an administrative hearing must still receive full approval from the entire FCC, but from the looks of things AT&T and Deutsche Telekom should be preparing for a heated legal battle ahead.
