Telecom mergers may cut consumer choice

[Commentary] The business of supplying pay TV, Internet connections and phone service is narrowing to a handful of giant firms.

In the latest example, AT&T wants to acquire DirecTV for $47 billion in a merger that could limit consumer options in a fast-changing media landscape. The proposal is another chessboard move by telecom behemoths trying to figure out a successful future in a confusing business world. Consumers, the same target audience giving telecom providers fits, may be at risk. This should be an era when choices are multiplying for customers shopping for an Internet connection, pay TV service and a smartphone plan. In response, though, major companies want to bundle this "triple play" and reduce choices, buy up rivals and limit options with offerings billed as simplified packages. For frazzled shoppers, that may sound like a bargain. It's time for federal authorities to hit the pause button and consider the profound effects.