People forget that Verizon and AT&T are the result of multiple mergers as well. Airtouch + Bell Atlantic Mobile + a bunch of little ones = Verizon Cellular One + Southern Bell + a bunch of little ones = AT&T The mistake was thinking to counter those two giant companies by making a 3rd giant company. Perhaps it would have been better to have not allowed the first two in the first place? Just a thought to ponder.