Proposed merger makes sense for Illinois

No one knows more than the Communications Workers of America (CWA) how communications have changed. Whereas a century ago we spent our time climbing telephone poles and stringing cables, now we fix cellphone towers, run call centers, manage Internet networks and provide video services. We work on the critical communication infrastructure of the 21st century and why the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile is good for wireless customers and the economy.

The benefits of the merger clearly outweigh the concerns. For those in areas with strong broadband, this merger means faster data transmission and more reliable service. However, for the roughly 57 million Americans without a strong connection, primarily in the rural areas, this merger will change everything. Many people can’t imagine being on dial-up, but that’s the case in parts of the state. By combining spectrum and infrastructure, a merged AT&T/T-Mobile will be able to build its 4G LTE network to more places more quickly than either company could on its own or any public/private entity could do.

The United States currently ranks 25th in average Internet speed connections. That means lost productivity, lost opportunity and reduced global competitiveness. With the merger, AT&T can build out our nation’s broadband infrastructure to make it easier and faster for everyone to access the Internet.

We don’t endorse business deals lightly, but the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile was an easy choice. That’s why the Illinois AFL-CIO, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce among others have joined us. So on behalf of the 146,000 wireline and wireless workers that make up the membership of the CWA, I urge the FCC and Congress to support the merger as well.

Ron Honse

CWA Representative, District 4

North Barrington