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Justice Department looks into how AT&T, Verizon handle defecting customers By The Associated Press Posted Apr 21, 2018 at 12:30 PM NEW YORK — The Justice Department has opened an antitrust investigation into whether AT&T, Verizon and a standards-setting group worked together to stop consumers from easily switching wireless carriers. The companies confirmed the inquiry in separate statements late Friday in response to a report in The New York Times. The U.S. government is looking into whether AT&T, Verizon and telecommunications standards organization GSMA worked together to suppress a technology that lets people remotely switch wireless companies without having to insert a new SIM card into their phones. The Times, citing six anonymous people familiar with the inquiry, reported that the investigation was opened after at least one device maker and one other wireless company filed complaints. Verizon, which is based in New York, derided the accusations on the issue as "much ado about nothing" in its statement. It framed its efforts as part of attempt to "provide a better experience for the consumer." Dallas-based AT&T also depicted its activity as part of a push to improve wireless service for consumers and said it had already responded to the government's request for information. The company said it "will continue to work proactively within GSMA, including with those who might disagree with the proposed standards, to move this issue forward." GMSA and the Justice Department declined to comment. News of the probe emerge during a trial of the Justice Department's case seeking to block AT&T's its proposed $85 billion merger with Time Warner to over antitrust concerns. That battle centers mostly on the future of cable TV and digital video streaming. Verizon and AT&T are the two leading wireless carriers, with a combined market share of about 70 percent. Most Popular Overdose antidote to be given away Wednesday Apr 16 at 2:01 AM Makerspace coming to Central Point Apr 18 at 11:27 AM Update: Teen's name released in fatal crash Apr 16 at 10:16 AM Police: Cat killed during fight between couple Apr 19 at 6:36 PM A long view of home Apr 19 at 6:56 PM Democrats in turmoil Apr 17 at 8:17 AM Ashland magician Harry Anderson went on to TV success Apr 18 at 5:42 PM Medford School District proposes 33 new positions Apr 19 at 7:18 AM Grants Pass man to appear on 'American Murder Mystery' Apr 16 at 9:56 AM Man sentenced for raping, assaulting wife Apr 20 at 7:14 AM Woman charged in $7,000 Victoria's Secret underwear theft Apr 20 at 4:58 PM Roller Derby benefits kids battling cancer Apr 20 at 5:32 PM © Copyright 2006-2018 Rosebud Media LLC. All rights reserved. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com ~ P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501