The monster grows... (updated)
The new AT&T (or, as the new logo is written, at&t) continues to grow and grow and grow... The company formerly known as SBC is making its first huge move since rebranding itself with its former parent's namesake, acquiring BellSouth.
Where just a year ago, we had MCI, Verizon, SBC, AT&T, Qwest and BellSouth, we now have at&t, Verizon and Qwest... it sounds like Ma Bell all over again! (especially if you look at how one-time smallest "Baby Bell" SBC has devoured everything in the past few years: Pacific Telesis, Ameritech, SNET, AT&T and now BellSouth... and those weren't small time acquisitions... each of those was a major company that now operates under the banner of "at&t"... new name, same old company...)
Of course, read up on it. The analysts are saying that the real reason (and I agree) is that at&t wants total control of Cingular Wireless (probably to be renamed at&t wireless). What about #2 Verizon? Word on the street is that effort is under way to increase the 55% ownership in Verizon Wireless to 100%, with a buy-out from partner Vodafone. And Qwest? Who knows... It probably will have to morph to survive. I wouldn't at all be suprised if it is gobbled up by a bigger fish.