STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re: Applications of AT&T Inc. and DIRECTV for Consent to Assign or Transfer Control of 
Licenses and Authorizations, MB Docket No. 14-90.
In this Order we approve the merger of AT&T and DIRECTV.  This decision is based on 
extended review and careful consideration of the consequences of combining a mix of interests in 
broadband, wireless, and video services.  On balance, we find that this transaction, as conditioned, serves 
the public interest, as required under law.
Communications markets are changing fast—and the future of watching is bound to look 
different from the past.  Channel packages with limited choices are giving way to a new world where 
consumers watch what they want, when they want it, on any screen handy.  As a result, broadband is 
becoming an essential tool for the distribution of video content.  Consequently, this transaction is 
conditioned on the deployment of fiber to the premises to 12.5 million new customer locations.  This 
deployment will result in more modern infrastructure that supports a range of activities—including online 
video.  This development is not just good for consumers, it also addresses disincentives for deployment 
that could arise from this transaction.  Even better, these facilities will be made available to schools and 
libraries in the deployment footprint.  In addition, this transaction is conditioned on non-discriminatory 
usage-based practices that will help ensure that the online marketplace for video has fair opportunity to 
grow.  Finally, though not the subject of any conditions in this transaction, the issue of independent 
programming and the complexities of securing access on traditional video distribution platforms has come 
up repeatedly in the record in this proceeding.  I think this issue is ripe for examination, and hope that the 
Commission can find another forum for discussion of this important topic.