[Hoffer Rand]

I predict that AT&T is going to start dumping their retirees right off their insurance rolls -- and they're going to recover that $1 billion (if not more) before long.

Bet they also send out hefty rate increases, moaning about the extra costs at the same time.

[muawiyah]

AT&T, as a common carrier, is heavily regulated by the federal government, state governments, municipal governments, and any other sort of 'ment with authority over public right of way or easements.

They MUST pass along all costs to the users. They have no choice in the matter.

So, to reduce costs they can fire employees, or reduce contributions to health benefits.

This is going to be a total disaster with the union representatives who are going to try to save the union benefits ~~~~~ before their members skin them alive!