By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 2-5-20
A district court judge’s decision upholding the Justice Department and FCC approval of the Sprint-T-Mobile merger drew immediate reaction from Washington.
Both the FCC and Justice had argued the deal would help speed the 5G rollout, with conditions that would ultimately create a new, facilities-based, competitor, helping justify the reduction of the Big Four – AT&T, Verizon, T–Mobile, and Sprint – wireless carriers to the Big Three.
“I’m pleased with the district court’s decision,” said FCC chair Ajit Pai. “The T-Mobile-Sprint merger will help close the digital divide and secure United States leadership in 5G. After the merger, T-Mobile has committed to bringing 5G to 97% of our nation’s population within three years and 99% of Americans within six years. Its 5G network will also reach deep into rural areas, with 85% of rural Americans covered within three years and 90% covered within six years.” » Read More