Lawmaker called on agencies to scrutinize deal for impacts on competition, consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and House author of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, released the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced conditions that would allow the Verizon-SpectrumCo deal to move forward, allowing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue an order to approve the final deal.
 
“As an author of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, I expressed concerns about the impact of this transaction on competition and consumer choice.  While I remain focused on how this deal will affect these vital touchstones of the telecommunications marketplace, the FCC and the Justice Department have identified and mandated several key changes to significant issues that should help address harms to competition and consumers arising from the deal.
 
“Specifically, elements of the marketing agreements have been blocked that would have reduced the incentive for the companies to compete in areas where Verizon’s FiOS services go head-to-head with the cable companies’ video and broadband products.  Limitations on the scope and duration of the joint marketing agreements also are an important improvement.  The spectrum transfer from Verizon to T-Mobile will expand choice for consumers looking for an alternative to the larger carriers.
 
“As with any significant change to the communications landscape, vigorous oversight of implementation is essential to ensure that consumers benefit, competition is promoted and innovation is ignited to the benefit of our economy and job creation. I look forward to continuing to work on oversight activities in this area that is central to the economic future of our country.”
 
A copy of Rep. Markey’s June letters to the FCC and DOJ can be found HERE.
 
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