Hello Fred,
Thank you for filling the GTE whole for me. Difficult to keep track of everything let alone regurgitate it all.
Since the announcement I really haven't thought much about the merger until the last couple of days, to my chagrin. As you may know, most recently BEL has applied in several states for the right to offer long distance service. New York and Pennsylvania come immediately to mind. In New York a hearing date had been set for June 24, but has been postponed for a month in order that the potential merger be given full attention.
BEL just might be the first RBOC allowed to do Long Distance. They are the only RBOC to make to the final step in the regulatory approval process. Though, IMO, BEL is going to be rejected. In New York there isn't any true residential competition though the xdsl/PCLEC bandwagon has arrived in town, but from what I've gleaned BEL's required CO policies and cooperation while much improved is still spotty at best. So, my guess is they'll be rejected (last ditch effort just to see what they can get away with), clean up they're act VERY quickly and gain approvals within 12 months. Did you see today's news re WCOM providing "Local Toll Call" service in several states, the majority of which is BEL's territory. Maybe BEL can play this up and get approval in this round.
Enough of all that, lets get back to GTE. Very interesting! I wonder if the golden nugget can be seen through the obvious?? Most likely, the merger will get approval either outright or with conditions. Either way BEL will come away with what they need, the golden nugget---BBN!!!! In other words, "Internet Backbone", all the rest of GTE is extremely good gravy.
The problem from a WCOM point of view is that it positions BEL to better compete in an area that WCOM might be considered to have the edge in UUNET plus. This falls into the mostest category.
Here's a couple of interesting articles,
Rival
MCI Worldcom's Domain Growing
losangelestimes.com
The Player
Now Its Time to Make It All Work, Says AT&T Chief
losangelestimes.com |
