On Monday, AT&T dropped its bid to acquire T-Mobile in a merger the US Department of Justice claimed would "substantially lessen competition" in the telecom industry.

The DOJ filed a lawsuit against the $39 billion merger in August on the grounds that it would produce higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

From a press release back in August, as published on CNet:

"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," said Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole. "Consumers across the country, including those in rural areas and those with lower incomes, benefit from competition among the nation's wireless carriers, particularly the four remaining national carriers. This lawsuit seeks to ensure that everyone can continue to receive the benefits of that competition."

SFR reported in November on the potential costs of the merger to New Mexico telecom workers and consumers.

Today, AT&T issued a statement announcing the end of its bid to acquire T-Mobile from its parent company, Deutsche Telekom, despite already incurring a $4 billion "pre-tax accounting charge."

Andrea Quijada, the executive director of New Mexico's Media Literacy Project, issued the following statement:

“The end of AT&T’s campaign to eliminate mobile competition and jobs is a gift to working class New Mexican families this holiday season. However, we know that this decision was not the result of AT&T putting people before profit. This result was won by media justice advocates and our allies in New Mexico and nationwide.  Though we are certain this is not the last we’ve heard from AT&T/T-Mobile, we want to take a moment to acknowledge this victory for consumers.
 
“Keeping T-Mobile as a price anchor amidst rising mobile costs allows poor communities and communities of color to have some peace of mind around the holidays. At this time of year, when people are keeping in touch with loved ones by phone with increased frequency, this news is a reminder of how critical communication is to all of us."