Backing for AT&T/T-Mobile

Advocacy groups representing minorities have been voicing their support for AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom.

The Alliance for Digital Equality, the Hispanic Federation and the National Black Chamber of Commerce were among the groups arguing the merger would benefit minority communities. But the timing of the statements have led some to question the motivations of the groups. While the Hispanic Federation didn't respond to requests for comment, both ADE and the NBCC acknowledged receiving financial support from AT&T. The groups' statements also mirror those issued by hundreds of minority advocacy groups and lawmakers in support for Comcast's acquisition of NBC Universal last year. That deal was approved by the government in January over vocal objections from competitors. Minority Media & Telecom Council president David Honig said his organization has not yet taken a stance on the merger, but expressed irritation at critics who question the motives of minority organizations supporting the merger. "Give these organizations credit for being intelligent. It doesn't take a long time to analyze things. They aren't corrupt and they weren't paid," Honig said.