DOJ Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against AT&T

The Department of Justice today filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile. 

The proposed $39 billion purchase would have merged two of the four largest wireless service providers in the country. Both companies compete in 97 of the largest 100 cellular markets.

In a press release, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said, “The combination of AT&T and T-Mobile would result in tens of millions of consumers all across the United States facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for mobile wireless services.” 

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s statement indicates his agency also had concerns about the merger. Read his statement here.

Click here to read the DOJ press release.

NANPA Planning Letter (PL) Number 425 – Western Quebec – NPA Code 873 to Overlay NPA 819

Implementation of NPA 873 in Western Quebec, Canada, has been changed to 9/15/2012. The new date advances introduction of the new area code by nearly nine months. 

The relief method stays the same, with a distributed overlay of NPA 873 over area code 819. All local calls will continue to be dialed with 10 digits.

Network testing begins 6/17/2012. For testing numbers and a map of the affected area, go to www.nanpa.com.

FCC Announces Plan to Advance Deployment of NG9-1-1 

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski released a five-step plan of action that aims to improve deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1, an IP-based emergency communications system. The current model, E9-1-1, has been around since the 1970’s and operates on a circuit-switched system.  

The steps include:

      1. Develop location accuracy mechanisms for NG911

      2. Enable consumers to send text, photos, and videos to Public Safety    

          Answering Points (PSAPs)

      3. Facilitate the completion and implementation of NG911 technical   
          standards

      4. Develop a NG911 governance framework

      5. Develop an NG911 Funding Model

As part of the process, the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) next month.

Here’s a link to the FCC’s fact sheet.

NANPA Planning Letter (PL) Number 424 – NPA 566 for Personal Communications Services  

Assignment of NPA 566 for Personal Communications Services (PCS) has now been added to the NANPA website.

NANPA assigned the 566 NPA for PCS, because the supply of 5YY NXXs is expected to run out in late 2011 or early 2012.

NANPA assigned 423 5YY codes from January 1 through August 1, 2011. As of August 5, there are 395 available. 

A date has not been set for activation of NPA 566. 

For more information, visit www.nanpa.com.