Thirteen U.S. senators asked AT&T Inc. to prove how its proposed merger with Time Warner Inc. will benefit consumers and serve public interest.

In a Jan. 25 letter sent to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson and Time Warner CEO Jeffrey Bewkes, the senators said AT&T is working to avoid review by the FCC that would require the parties to demonstrate how the deal would serve public interest, improve access and affordability of telecommunications services, promote the diversity of ideas, and ensure the free exchange of information.

The senators have asked the companies to provide a public interest statement by Feb. 17.