AT&T/DirecTV to FCC: Critics Are Off Base; OK Deal 'Swiftly'

In joint comments at the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T and DirecTV have asked the FCC to reject petitions to deny their proposed deal and approve the merger ASAP.

They also argue that AT&T’s $48.5 billion bid to buy DirecTV is distinctly different from other major media mergers, especially Comcast’s planned merger with Time Warner Cable. Evidence that AT&T will lead to lower TV bills for consumers and lead to more competition in the arena “sets this transaction apart.”