So how do AT&T users feel about the proposed T-Mo buyout??

[Blacklac]

Seems every blog or post about this subject brings out the crazies. I'd like to read a decent discussion about the +/- about this from AT&T users perspectives.

Me? I'm indifferent. I would have gladly used T-Mo service if it was usable in my area. I'm pretty much stuck with AT&T or Big Red in my area, and they are fairly even here. Up north may favor Verizon. I never like losing competition to the big players, to keep them in check, but do any of you actually think this will be a positive for us AT&T users? Will this give us more 3G/fauxG across the country to places that are stuck with EDGE (or atleast bring it faster than AT&T alone is planned to)? Will this give AT&T the ability to use T-Mo's "tier" of HSPA+ (Dont they offer the theoretical 42MB speeds?) Will this give AT&T UMA ability??!!!???!! <-- My biggest question

T-Mo is bowing out, regardless, correct? Or atleast not spending anymore money on their network? They will eventually lose subscribers as they fall behind or be bought by someone else?

What would Verizon or Sprint do with T-Mo if they were to step in? What could they do with a GSM Network?

What do you all think?? What are your thoughts/concerns about this merger?

[joeldf]

I'm a bit indifferent too.

Around here, Verizon and Sprint still have a presence. There are no other smaller regional cellular service providers. At least none of consequence. Sprint service is actually generally quite spotty in South Louisiana. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all have much better overall coverage all along the I-10/I-12 corridor (basically, the lower half of the state).

One of the things I recall reading about when this whole thing started, was that AT&T wanted to repurpose the AWS band that T-Mobile uses for it's 3G for something else (don't remember what for - LTE, perhaps). Meaning, those with T-Mobile branded 3G phones would lose their 3G service.

What I don't understand is why so many knee-**** bloggers and the DOJ just automatically assume that AT&T is going to raise its prices if it does get T-Mobile. It still has two other national carriers to compete with. And most people could care less, or likely even know, about the GSM/CDMA differences. Most people just look at the bottom line, more so now than ever in this economy.

If my service actually does get better, and it's not bad now, and prices remain roughly the same, then AT&T can have at it.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[TheQ805]

I think the whole independent smaller competitor part is irrelevant at this point. Look at how T-Mo is constantly losing subscribers, often to the big players. AT&T and VZW already essentially own the market, adding T-Mo to AT&T won't do much but bulk up the spectrum (which is needed). If the deal doesn't go through, it will only be delayed as T-Mo will be eventually gone (essentially).

Do I think it will do a lot to prices? Not really... AT&T will keep theirs in line with VZW (like the two always do). And with all the metros/boosts/straight talks/net10s/cricket etc... out there...oh yeah and sprint, I don't think there will be issues in price for the most part. Especially since (from the beginning) its obvious some markets will need to be divested to make the deal go through (think verizon and alltel except big gulp size).

I'm all for the merger, although I do have my hesitations about network issues once the transition occurs. I imagine a wider phone selection will be nice to have also. AT&T sure could use some more network density to handle the astronomical increase in data usage. I haven't really had data issues...but with the increase in smartphone purchases out there, it could be bound to happen.