SAN FRANCISCO-The Federal Communications Commission approved the merger of SBC Communications Inc. and Pacific Telesis Group. The approval involved the transfer of wireless licenses from Pacific Telesis to SBC, including Pacific Telesis’ California and Nevada licenses.
The companies said the FCC found “the transfer will serve the public interest.” Shareholders from both companies approved the merger, as did the Nevada Public Service Commission. The U.S. Department of Justice said the merger does not violate federal antitrust laws, and the California Attorney General concluded the merger will not reduce competition in California.
The California Public Utilities Commission is expected to review the merger in March.
“We’re pleased that the FCC commissioners voted unanimously to approve and we look forward to completing the merger so we can provide more effective competition in California, particularly in the long-distance, international and wireless markets,” said Phil Quigley, chairman and chief executive officer of SBC Communications.
“As all telecommunications markets open to competition, we expect to be well-positioned to provide our customers with one-stop shopping convenience for advanced telecommunications services.”
