The Department of Justice on Friday gave its approval for T-Mobile and Sprint to merge, in what has been a protracted fight for the companies to finalize their $26 billion deal. The merger still faces a review by a federal district court, and consumer advocates worry the industry consolidation will lead to higher rates.

The companies first proposed a merger five years ago. The Federal Communications Commission tentatively endorsed the deal in May.

But the deal still faces another potential roadblock: Attorneys general of 14 states and the District of Columbia have sued to stop the deal, arguing it will increase consumer wireless costs by at least $4.5 billion a year.

More at NPR.