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New York Joins Federal Antitrust Suit Against AT&T, T-Mobile Deal

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says the state has joined a federal challenge to AT&T Inc.'s merger with T-Mobile USA Inc. because of concerns about reduced competition in five metropolitan regions of the state.

The U.S. Justice Department said Friday that seven state attorneys general have signed onto the antitrust lawsuit to block the deal.

Along with New York, Washington, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Ohio and Pennsylvania were added to the amended lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C.

The department says the attorneys general have assisted throughout the investigation of the proposed merger.

Schneiderman said Friday the concerns are higher prices, worse service and less access to new technologies in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, the Capital Region and Syracuse.

What do you think about the merger?  What do think will be the outcome of the lawsuit?  Share your thoughts in the comments section...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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