Telecommunication Mergers and the Public Good
This event will be on October 3rd, 2011 from 2:00-3:30 in the Wilkins Room, Humphrey Center, University of Minnesota. Please RSVP to cstpp at umn.edu
AT&T has proposed a merger with T-Mobile which would create the largest mobile telecommunications carrier in the United States. The magnitude of the merger has raised questions whether it is in the public interest. AT&T has contended that the merger would enable it to expand service, including broadband service. On the other hand, the United States Department of Justice sued AT&T on August 31st of this year to block the merger. Several state attorneys general have sought to join the suit in opposition to the merger.
Former Congressman Rick Boucher, Honorary Chairman of the Internet Innovation Alliance and amalia deloney, Grassroots Policy Director for the Center for Media Justice will describe their differing views of the proposed merger and respond to audience questions. Steve Kelley, Director of the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy will moderate the forum.
About the Speakers
Former U.S. Representative Rick Boucher served on the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committees and chaired the subcommittees on Communications, Technology and the Internet; and Energy and Air Quality. He carved out a role as a trusted bipartisan leader on telecommunications, energy and environmental issues and was a leading participant in the major telecommunications policy debate of the past 25 years. He is currently a partner in the Washington, DC office of Sidley Austin.
Ms. amalia deloney coordinates the media policy initiatives of the Center for Media Justice and the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net). She has over 15 years of experience in community and cultural organizing, with a specific interest in human rights, cultural rights and traditional knowledge. She received her J.D. with a focus on Social Justice from Hamline University School of Law.
