Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) on AT&T / BellSouth merger

NOTE: Although the following letter refers to an event “expect[ed] … to take place in November,” the letter is dated 13 December 2006.

Thank you for contacting me regarding the proposed merger of AT&T and BellSouth Corporation. I value your thoughts on this important issue.

The U.S. Department of Justice, State regulators, and shareholders have approved the telecommunications merger between AT&T and BellSouth, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the only remaining organization that must endorse the deal before it is complete. FCC chairman Kevin J. Martin expects the commission vote to take place in November.

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I remain committed to ensuring that the merged company serves the best interests of all consumers. It is important that the merged company offer broadband Internet service to all Floridians and refrain from raising basic telephone rates. I strongly support telecommunications competition and believe the FCC must carefully consider how its regulatory actions will effect Florida’s economy, its job markets, and technical infrastructure.

Thank you for taking the time to communicate your views; they help me to better serve you in the Senate. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future.