Via Phonescoop, Cingular nabs AT&T Wireless for $41 billion:
Cingular Wireless LLC, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) and BellSouth Corp. (NYSE: BLS), announced today an agreement to acquire AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE), creating the premier wireless carrier in the United States. Today, the combined company would have 46 million customers and one of the most advanced digital networks in the U.S., with spectrum in 49 states and coverage in 97 of the top 100 markets. The combined 2003 annual revenues of the two companies would have exceeded $32 billion.
This really should be good news to everyone involved. Cingular definitely seems committed to GSM technology, AT&T is the only one with EDGE nationwide. With the combined capital and customer base, ATTular should be poised to take a jump at full-bore 3G as soon as it is an option.
I am a little worried about how this is going to affect roaming agreements with my carrier, T-Mobile. I know that in several markets (San Francisco in particular) Cingular and T-Mobile share a lot of towers and coverage. I’m worried about some of these roaming deals may dissapear.now that ATTular has the clout to do what it wishes.
It will also be interesting to see how the merger/takeover/purchase will affect phone and plan prices. When my contract is up with T-Mobile, will it be worth switching over to them? It would really take a lot to get me to switch over. I’ve been nothing but impressed with T-Mobile since day 1. Their customer support is quick and awesome, they don’t treat you like dirt at their retail stores (I’ve been treated very badly at Sprint stores and when asking questions at AT&T Wireless stores), and their coverage is good (but not perfect) and their billing is simple and consistent.
Once everything is figured out, this new company is going to be a force to reckon with.