SBC-Ameritech Merger Raises FCC Concerns

The nation’s top telecommunications regulator told SBC Communications Inc. and Ameritech Corp. that he has “serious concerns” about their planned merger and whether it would serve the public interest. Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard, in letters to the companies’ chiefs, did not address whether the agency would try to block the proposed $57-billion merger if his concerns are not alleviated. But Kennard said he wants discussions between the companies and commission staff to begin to explore “whether it would be possible to craft conditions” addressing his concerns. Kennard did not elaborate on what those conditions should be. The merger would create the nation’s largest local phone company. Kennard said he would like to begin discussions--the contents of which would be made public--this month and conclude by late June.