AT&T, arguing T-Mobile merger won’t curb competition, talks up smaller rivals

These days, the nation’s second-tier and regional wireless carriers are receiving some glowing advertising from a seemingly odd pitchman: AT&T.

The praise is hardly intended as flattery but is a critical element of AT&T’s strategy to persuade federal antitrust officials that its $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile will not harm competition in markets across the country. “Sprint has already achieved substantial success in the marketplace by offering attractive pricing plans and upgrading its smartphone portfolio,” said Joan Marsh, an AT&T vice president focusing on federal regulatory affairs, sounding much like a spokeswoman for the rival company. “MetroPCS and Leap, which are the leading all-you-can-eat data providers ... have enjoyed great success focusing on value-oriented services, and both have begun moving upmarket,” Marsh gushed. The rivals were not convinced. Sprint and smaller niche players that belong to the Rural Cellular Association countered in dueling media calls and statements that AT&T’s move to consolidate two of the three largest wireless carriers will crush their business prospects.