AT&T and Verizon are the main targets for another possible investigation by the United States Department of Justice.
AT&T is already fighting in the courts for permission to merge with (or buy) Time Warner Studios. This new investigation includes AT&T along with the other three major mobile companies but the DoJ is focusing on AT&T and Verizon. Verizon and AT&T also offers DSL Internet connections plus video along with their telephone services.
The investigations main thrust is that the four major wireless carriers are making it more tricky than neccessary for customers to switch their mobile service to another company. The SIM cards are the major issue. They are needed to make phones work. The DoJ is looking into whether AT&T and the big carriers and the telecommunications standards organization, GSMA, are working together to keep other technology from being put into phones and other devices that would make it easier to switch carriers.
Apple, the maker of the iPhone was one of the companies that brought the issue to the attention of the government.
Verizon called the investigation "much ado about nothing." AT&T said it was all done to provide better service to consumers. AT&T and Verizon already own about 70% of the US mobile market. AT&T provides DSL Internet, video and phone service.
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