T-Mobile and Sprint Merger Approved by the FCC

While there’s no official confirmation yet, according to an FCC official quoted by The Verge, the proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint has received the necessary votes from the commissioners. It is said that three of the five commissioners voted “yes'” on this merger, while two commissioners voted “no” claiming that could hurt competition.

The three votes include Chairman Ajit Pai along with Commissioners Brendan Carr and Mike O’Rielly. While those who opposed the merger were Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks.

This approval barely comes as a surprise given that it was previously reported that the merger had already received majority support among the commissioners. However, despite the merger receiving regulatory approval, it’s far from coming into effect.

This is because a total of 17 State Attorneys General are currently suing in order to stop the merger. T-Mobile has promised not to bring the merger into effect without settling the lawsuit. The first of the trials is set to begin on December 7, so it’s clear that the battle is far from over for T-Mobile and Sprint as a few more hurdles await.

Do you agree with the commissioners who voted “no” on this merger? Do you think this deal will create an anticompetitive environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Via: The Verge