Should customers celebrate AT&T-Time Warner merger?

Analysts are skeptical AT&T’s $85.4 billion merger with Time Warner will have as much benefit to customers as the companies claim. The deal, announced over the weekend, would combine one of the largest media content providers with one of the largest wireless and home broadband companies in the nation. If AT&T tries to give its customers special or exclusive access to Time Warner’s content, including popular shows like Game of Thrones, it could hurt the brand and drive away viewers. If the new company offers free streaming for Time Warner content, mobile customers could see a reduction in data speeds across the network. And if other recent entertainment company mergers are any indication, the mega-deal isn’t likely to drive down prices. Consumers have steadily paid more for cable after Comcast bought NBC in 2011, although analysts say it’s not clear whether the deal contributed to the increases.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.