DOJ Approves Verizon-MCI, SBC-AT&T

Calling the conditions for DOJ approval of two pending major telecom deals minimal is an understatement. Verizon, which is acquiring MCI for $8.44 billion, and SBC, which is taking over what’s left of AT&T for $16 billion, have to ditch fiber-optic nets serving a small number of businesses. DOJ is the toughest step usually so the FCC shouldn’t be far behind. Some states still have approvals pending but early 1Q06 closings for both deals is still expected.

SBC also officially announced plans to be known as AT&T once the deal closes. Talk about back to the future … it should make a great branding case study someday.

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