AT&T-BellSouth: Bells Vs. Cable

WSJ (sub. req.): The Journal put its web site to good use this weekend, first breaking the AT&T-BellSouth story online on a Saturday night and then producing a comprehensive package. Of note, a look at Verizon’s position, which includes the “us-versus cable” argument being offered by AT&T. Verizon spokesman Peter Thonis: “This kind of consolidation makes sense, providing new leverage and capabilities as Verizon and AT&T compete against cable. Meanwhile, Verizon’s business plan remains unchanged.” He said Verizon is already in negotiations with Vodaphone to unwind its own wireless partnership and take full control.
NYT:
AT&T chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre, Jr.: “We literally have hundreds of competitors coming in every day; it’s nothing like the old days. If we’re going to have the strength to compete, we better get our companies together.”
The deal made progress during a day of bird hunting for Whitacre and BellSouth chairman Duane Ackerman. (Insert favorite Cheney joke here.)

Ford Cavallari, analyst, Adventis Corp. (via LAT): : “If you want to be very competitive in pay television, you need a big footprint.”

Blair Levin, analyst, Stifel Nicholas (via
WaPo): “When you look at the road map provided by the government in the prior mergers, there doesn’t seem to be anything that looks like a brick wall.”

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