T-Mobile and Sprint have made enough concessions that the nation’s top telecom regulator is prepared to approve the telecom companies’ $26 billion merger.
The combined company will sell Sprint’s Boost Mobile prepaid cellphone brand and commit to deploying a super-fast, next-generation 5G network covering 97% of the U.S., Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement Monday.
“The companies have also taken steps to respond to concerns that have been raised about this transaction,” Pai said. “Most importantly, in addition to their prior commitment not to raise prices for three years, T-Mobile and Sprint have decided to divest Boost Mobile. This sale is designed to address potential competitive issues that have been identified in the prepaid wireless segment.”
Critics opposing the deal, announced in April 2018, have argued the elimination of one of the four largest wireless providers – Sprint is the No. 4, behind Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile – will lead to higher prices for cell phone service.
More at USA Today.