The Telecommunications Research and Action Center today released the following statement from TRAC Chairman Samuel A. Simon regarding the acquisition by Cingular Wireless of AT&T Wireless:

"Consumers are always leery of the consolidation of competitors in a market place. The risk of the loss of a competitor is that prices will rise and competition will decrease. In the highly competitive wireless market, though, this initial merger may be a win-win. The combined company is likely to be a more serious competitor to Verizon Wireless. It is more likely to be able to roll out new and competitive advanced services. AT&T Wireless in any case appeared to have lost the capacity or will to provide quality service, as witnessed by its rapidly declining market share. The real concern isn't this merger - but rather the next one(s) that are likely to follow."

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MEDIA CONTACT:

John Breyault, TRAC, johnb@trac.org, 202-263-2943

ABOUT TRAC:

The Telecommunications Research and Action Center (TRAC), founded in 1983, is a non-profit membership organization based in Washington, DC that promotes the interests of residential telecommunications customers. TRAC staff researches telecommunications issues and publishes rate comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions regarding their long distance and local phone service options. TRAC can be found on the web at http://www.trac.org.