It's definitely been a while since we've seen any major developments concerning AT&T's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile crop up, but that's changing today in a big way. First up, District Judge Ellen Huvelle has decided to allow Sprint and C Spire's lawsuits against AT&T move forward. The suits allege that a combined AT&T/T-Mobile would adversely affect pricing and competition in the mobile industry. Huvelle, who is also involved in the U.S. Department of Justice's suit against AT&T, has allowed C Spire to pursue its injury claims concerning the effect that AT&T/T-Mobile would have on wireless roaming as well.
Continuing on with the AT&T-Mobile news, AT&T has asked a judge to force Sprint to turn over documents detailing the Now Network's plans once a decision on AT&T's proposed T-Mobile buyout is made. AT&T lists 47 areas of interest concerning why it wants to know Sprint's plans, including whether or not the No. 3 carrier intends to try and strike a deal with T-Mobile should AT&T's attempt at an acquisition fall through. AT&T says it needs these documents in order to help defend itself against the Justice Department's lawsuit. A Sprint spokesperson declined to comment on AT&T's filing, but it's been revealed that Sprint has asked the court to ignore AT&T's requests, calling them "burdensome" and "overlapping."
The fact that Judge Huvelle has given C Spire and Sprint's suits to continue means that AT&T will need to continue to battle those cases on top of the ones it's encountered from the Justice Department and even a group of customers, which I'm sure it's not terribly thrilled about. Speaking of battling, it'll be interesting to see what happens with AT&T's request to see Sprint's post-decision plans and whether or not Sprint will actually be forced to hand them over to AT&T, especially considering that many outsiders have already suggested that Sprint join forces with T-Mobile should AT&T's proposed acquisition be blocked. More on this as we get it!
Via Phone Scoop (1), (2), Reuters, Businessweek
