Reading about Verizon and its attempt to regulate data usage, I wonder whether it's true that was a primary concern for AT&T's attempted merger with T-Mobile. After all, T-Mobile controls many cell towers and AT&T would benefit immensely through more wireless options for their customers. Rather than upgrade the infrastructure, AT&T is trying to acquire more. If that be the case, what do you think would be the effects on data usage and availability for AT&T customers? Certainly the Justice Department is wary of the effect on the market as a whole, but I welcome insights, esp. from other economists and antitrust people, on this. Perhaps this will cause Verizon to backtrack on efforts to rein in their own customers.

-- ThomasHou - 22 Sep 2011