News - May 20, 2019

INCOMPAS Statement on FCC T-Mobile-Sprint Conditions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 20, 2019) – The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Ajit Pai, announced his approval of the T-Mobile-Sprint merger today, with conditions aimed at ensuring a strong commitment to 5G.

In response, Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS – which has opposed the merger – released the following statement:

“Chairman Pai deserves credit for demanding 5G commitments from T-Mobile and Sprint as a condition for their mega merger. But without a strong, robust commitment to wholesale, there will be no guarantees for a competitive 5G future in our country.

“The only way to win the race to 5G is by empowering competition from dozens of small providers who will invest, innovate, and cut prices. Building the 5G backbone means providing both wireless and wired fiber builders with the ability to compete and connect via wholesale access at affordable rates.

“We strongly encourage the FCC and the Department of Justice to ensure strong wholesale conditions from T-Mobile-Sprint or reject the deal out right.”