AT&T Propaganda In The Capitol Journal

I came across an interesting article this morning in the Pierre Capitol Journal that had to be something originating right out of the marketing department of AT&T. The piece covers the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile and how it will do nothing but benefit customers of both companies.

Putting aside for the moment that the only person cited in the article is AT&T's regional vice president of external affairs, the article fails to touch any of the many problems that this merger could cause. I especially loved this line from AT&T that specifically addresses South Dakota:

“We are really excited about it,” Canuteson said. “It is going to be great for a state like South Dakota with small, rural, metropolitan areas where 4G technology wouldn’t necessarily come for a long time without something like this.”

Really? So buying out T-Mobile, which doesn't even have a presence here will some how magically allow AT&T to upgrade our technology? Considering that AT&T just finished building their network in South Dakota from the ground up after buying Alltel's assets and built it using older 3G technology instead of their already sub par "4G" system why do I not believe you? And in regards to our so-called small rural metropolitan areas not seeing 4G, they somehow failed to mention that Sioux Falls is already enjoying the technology...on the much faster Verizon network.

AT&T merging with T-Mobile will surely have some benefits, mainly for T-Mobile's share holders, but for consumers I see little to cheer for. We already have very little competition with only 4 major carriers (only 2 with a significant presence here) and cutting that down to 3 won't help especially considering T-Mobile has the cheapest plans on average of the big 4.

So what is really behind all the merger propaganda coming from AT&T and published by the Capitol Journal without even once throwing the much needed BS flag?

I'm guessing AT&T is starting to worry that the merger is in trouble and is hoping to win the support of consumers before it is too late to which our local papers' advertising departments "news" department seem to be more than happy to oblige. After all if it doesn't get approved and the deal falls apart, AT&T will be on the hook to T-Mobile for $6 billion in cash and prizes. Ouch!

That's a lot of unavailable ad dollars iPhone sales...