Following Protests From Democrats, Martin Delays Debate On AT&T-BellSouth Merger

FOLLOWING PROTESTS FROM DEMOCRATS, MARTIN DELAYS DEBATE ON MERGER
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin delayed a vote on the acquisition of BellSouth by AT&T after the two Democrats on the FCC requested more time to study last-minute concessions proposed by AT&T. Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Michael Copps asked for the delay until they were able to evaluate AT&T's proposals and make them available for public comment. Chairman Martin, who is scheduled to leave the country Saturday for a 10-day business trip to Asia, told Adelstein and Copps in a letter that he would make AT&T's proposals available for public comment for 10 days. He also set a FCC meeting date for Friday, Nov. 3, but a FCC spokeswoman said a decision on the AT&T-BellSouth deal could occur earlier through private deliberations among the Commissioners. There is widespread speculation that Chairman Martin wants the agency to act before Election Day to shelter its decision from repercussions if Democrats take over one or both houses of Congress. Friday's action came two days after the FCC's two Democrats harshly criticized the Justice Department for approving the $80 billion AT&T- BellSouth merger without conditions.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-RONK1160597560735.htm...

* Commission Seeks Comment on Proposals Submitted by AT&T
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-06-2035A1.pdf

* Letter From Chairman Martin Concerning Next Steps for Review of AT&T/Bell South Transfer of Control Application
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-267892A1.pdf

* Commissioners Copps & Adelstein letter to Chairman Martin
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-267893A1.pdf

* FCC vote on AT&T/BellSouth merger postponed
http://news.com.com/FCC+vote+on+AT38TBellSouth+merger+postponed/2100-103...

* House, Senate Leaders Push AT&T/BellSouth Vote
The leaders of the House and Senate Commerce Committees have asked the FCC to get on with the vote on the AT&T/BellSouth merger. In a statement Friday, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), said the FCC has had plenty of time to consider the merger and plenty of input already.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6381172.html

* FCC Releases AT&T's Proposed Modifications
The FCC late Friday released proposed AT&T modifications to its merger with BellSouth for public perusal. AT&T said that, in order to speed the process, it was willing to accept some conditions, including promises of Internet Access to 100% of homes in AT&T/BellSouth territory by the end of next year; donating $1 million to promote public safety; and conducting at least 10 wireless broadband tests, and numerous other phone-related conditions.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6381201.html?display=Breaking...

* Consumer advocates criticize AT&T deal
Consumer advocates say the new concessions AT&T has offered to close its $80 billion merger with BellSouth don't go far enough to preserve competition.
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20061016/2b_phonemerger16.art...