Expert appointed to sort evidence in AT&T, T-Mobile deal
updated 02:20 pm EDT, Thu October 6, 2011
Richard Levie to oversee AT&T, T-Mobile trial
A well-known dispute resolution expert was chosen to head up the antitrust case regarding the AT&T buyout of T-Mobile, said a Thursday report. The choice, Richard Levie, is a former District of Columbia Superior Court judge and an experienced mediator and arbitrator. The Justice Department and the providers chose him to fill the role of the special master.
A court filing revealed on Thursday shows his responsibilities will include resolving disputes related to turning over information between the parties such as claims of privilege, motions to compel for testimony or other evidence, and expert information.
The Obama administration's Justice Department aims to block AT&T's purchase of T-Mobile with a lawsuit, maintaining the move would hurt competition and innovation and increase prices as a result. AT&T has tried to argue the move will speed up rural 4G access and create jobs, although it unintentionally revealed that it only needs $3.8 billion and not the $39 billion takeover to reach its stated 4G coverage goal.
