Xbox Live Gold price increase Nvidia Shield update Third stimulus check details Microsoft AI chatbot patent Bernie Sanders' mittens memes Returning stimulus money to the IRS Galaxy S21 review

Telecom megamerger

AT&T's plan to buy Tele-Communications Incorporated for $48 billion is another tangible sign of PC-TV convergence.

AT&T's announcement today to buy Tele-Communications Incorporated is another tangible sign of PC-TV convergence. The companies aim to create a "one-stop" shop for cable television, phone, and Internet access for consumers, perhaps controlled from a next-generation set-top TV box. They face intense competition, however.

AT&T buys TCI in $48 billion deal
AT&T has agreed to acquire Tele-Communications Inc. in an all-stock deal valued at about $48 billion.

Buy wins AT&T stake in @Home
The alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in AT&T's strategy to expand its Net access and provide local phone service via cable.

AT&T-TCI merger faces hurdles
Regulators are likely to closely scrutinize the buyout, and both telco and cable TV competitors may raise objections that the merger is anticompetitive.