August 15, 2005 - (HOSTSEARCH.COM) - Texas-based company SBC is aggressively seeking a merger with AT&T in California while independent ISPs are trying to stave off the deal which could signal their doom.
John Miller, an employee of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who said he spoke on behalf of the Chief of Police in favor to the merger of SBC and AT&T within California.
Mr. Miller, stating that he held the post of Deputy Chief and that he was speaking on behalf of the LAPD Chief of Police, made the following public comments:
"The Department of Homeland Security has informed the Los Angeles Police Department that the best communications for the security of the city is a single strong telecommunication system. . . . The SBC / AT&T merger is the best option for the City of Los Angeles. . . . Al Qaeda is still a threat to Los Angeles. We need this merger for national security."
California Internet Service Providers Association (CISPA) members have sent letters to all members of the Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor-elect, asking for an investigation into this matter with the LAPD. The letters cites concerns that ethics may have been violated and concerns for the safety of the citizens of Los Angeles.
CISPA members in attendance, some of whom have served as communications officers within the U.S. military, search and rescue and the U.S. Coast Guard, were skeptical that the Los Angeles Police Department would support such statements. Most ISPs know that failure within a single-point communications system would result in great loss of life should Los Angeles suffer a catastrophic event.
Chances are however, that by raising the specter of a terrorist attack, SBC will find their way to a handsome profit at the expense of the public in just the same manner the Bush administration has hoodwinked the public for profit.
