AT&T's plan to take over T-Mobile has set the stage for Washington's high-tech policy battle of 2011.
But that's not all that's at stake. This proposed deal paints a dark scenario for the future of all communications -- a future that looks increasingly like a bygone era of monopoly control.
If AT&T succeeds it will form a communications colossus to rival Ma Bell. Two companies, AT&T and Verizon, would control close to 80 percent of the mobile marketplace in America -- a figure that could exceed 90 percent, if, as many anticipate, Verizon buys Sprint.