It looks like the proposed T-Mobile-Sprint merger may finally be nearing the end of its battle. Earlier today, the two carriers received the green light from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). And with the approval of the Department of Justice (DOJ) back in July, it looks like the two carriers have only one challenge left to conquer.
The FCC’s approval of the merger does not really come as a surprise to many. Back in May, FCC chairman, Ajit Pai, already expressed his plans to approve the request. Today’s decision, as told by an FCC official, was “pushed through on a party-line vote with Democrats dissenting.”
The decision to approve the merger was made by Republican FCC commissioners who believe that it will help in closing “the digital divide in rural America and advancing United States leadership in 5G.” The Democratic FCC commissioners were against the deal due to concerns on the reduced competition will lead to raised prices, which will eventually have to be dealt by consumers.
Although T-Mobile and Sprint have gained the approval of the DOJ and the FCC, they still have to face the multistate lawsuit that state attorneys general filed. Both companies have promised to take care of the suit before they finalize their merger.
