Wave: One of the issues connected to your deal was net neutrality. Why do you think that topic has received so much traction in Washington?
Mr. Whitacre: Well, it’s two catchy words and kind of like convergence, I don’t think anybody can define it. I don’t think we can define it. I don’t think the FCC can define it. I don’t think the Internet service providers would all define it the same way, but they are catchy words and it sounds like it’s fair and it sounds
like it’s the right thing to do.
Wave: What do you think AT&T’s obligations are then in terms of the net neutrality provisions you agreed to as part of the merger?
Mr. Whitacre: We agree not to prioritize any service for any provider, but we wouldn’t do that anyway. We want the network to be open, available to everyone. We’re not going to block anything.
But it’s growing at such a fashion that the network has to be reinforced constantly. It needs more size. It needs the ability to transmit more. It has to be recognized that if there are no revenues to the companies providing that support, it’s not going to be built. It’s just not going to happen. It’s not a good business decision. Nobody would make that business decision.
So I think we’re trying to figure out how all that works, and it is a subject that should be talked about. It’s a very important subject. The Internet is key to increased productivity and efficiency of this country. It has great potential not recognized yet. But I don’t think any one party should dictate how it’s going to work without a lot of debate.
It’s to all our advantages to have this thing work and fulfill the needs of everybody that’s on it. That’s what we have to work for.
Wave: Wireless has not been central to the discussion to this point, but some people are trying to broaden the debate to wireless.
Mr. Whitacre: I agree with that to a degree because you have broadband wireless and a portion of that is going to be discussed. If you have access to the Internet through wireless, that’s part of it. I just think we ought to have an Internet that works for the good of the country and those that use it. It shouldn’t favor one group over another and whatever structure is ultimately put in place should compensate those that have to build this thing. You know, it’s not free.
AT&T Chairman & CEO Ed Whitacre
Now that AT&T has completed its deal to buy Bellsouth, wireless is at the heart of the new company's plans for the future. Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre talks about the new AT&T and shares his thoughts about net neutrality, convergence, rebranding, and much more!
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