Rep. Mike Thompson endorses AT&T deal

In a letter sent to the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) endorsed AT&T’s takeover of T-Mobile.

“I urge that the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission expeditiously review and approve the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. Once approved, this merger will allow AT&T to significantly expand and strengthen its broadband network, better serving constituents in Northern California and nationwide.”

Rep Thompson noted the rapid growth in demand for wireless broadband has led to a “spectrum crunch” for AT&T. “If approved, this merger would bring the added benefit of increasing the spectrum available to AT&T, allowing them to expand its latest generation 4G broadband network,” he wrote. Rep Thompson argued the merger would be good for his constituents. “Many communities in my district clearly gain expanded and improved service under this merger,” he wrote. “It is my strong hope however, that if and when this merger is approved, AT&T will remain committed to continued critical infrastructure investments in the remaining rural communities who do not yet enjoy access to their services.”