It's no secret that Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) and AT&T (NYSE:T) are gearing for a fight over AT&T's proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA. Both carriers are bulking up their lobbying muscle in preparation. For its part, Sprint recent hired three new lobbying firms: Thorsen French Advocacy, Franklin Square Group and The Fritts Group. The carrier has pledged to lobby against the deal on multiple fronts, including through congressional hearings. Meanwhile, AT&T spent $15 million lobbying the federal government last year, and since the start of the month has added Capitol City Group and Peck, Madigan, Jones & Stewart to its lobbying list. Article