A hot topic of debate in technology right now is whether the proposed AT&T and T-Mobile merger is good or bad for technology users. One of the major opponents of the merger is telecommunications competitor Sprint. The Communications Workers of America have recently launched EyeOnSprint.org to tell consumers why merger of AT&T and T-Mobile merger is good for consumers, workers and the economy. and "to show Sprint's ulterior motives for opposing the merger."
Each side has its own personal interest in the matter.
The Communications Workers of America is a large labor union in the United States that supports the merger. The CWA represents 42,000 workers at AT&T Mobility, with four contracts covering workers based on geographic location. A larger AT&T that absorbs T-Mobile represents the potential for more CWA members.
The recently launched EyeOnSprint.org website is one of many projects of the CWA. The CWA also have other websites such as WeWorkBetterTogether.org which targets T-Mobile employees, selling T-Mobile employees on the benefits of the AT&T and T-Mobile merger.
Sprint Nextel is currently the third largest U.S. wireless carrier. Sprint opposes the AT&T and T-Mobile merger citing higher prices, job losses, less innovation and unfair competition.
Sprint also tried to bid for T-Mobile, but was unsuccessful. Many, such as the CWA, see Sprint's objection to the the AT&T and T-Mobile merger as sour grapes for not being able to make the deal work themselves.
Who are the real winners in the merger?
Does preventing mergers because companies might do something wrong makes sense? What about preventing mergers simply because the company will be too big?
If that were the case what about the Comcast and NBC-Universal merger? Does allowing one of the largest telecommunications providers to acquire control over numerous American television networks, numerous cable channels, as well as motion picture companies, several television production companies fall under the same logic?
For the average consumer, getting caught in the crossfire of claims and promises can be confusing. T-Mobile has been struggling and losing customers in recent months. Absorbing a struggling company into a healthy one may not be such a bad thing.
Tell me what's on your mind, you can connect with me @Gu42 on Twitter or give a like to Guru42 on Facebook and tell me your technology questions.
Comments