Against All Common Sense, FCC Approves T-Mobile-Sprint Merger
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ywajnv/against-all-common-sense-fcc-approves-t-mobile-sprint-merger
The FCC today finalized its approval of T-Mobile’s $26 billion dollar merger with Sprint, a megadeal that most objective data suggests will result in higher prices, fewer jobs, and even worse service from one of the most disliked industries in America. In its finalized order confirming a 3-2 vote along partisan lines, the FCC insists that the deal will result in amazing benefits for American consumers, ranging from accelerated deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless networks, to “enhanced competition” in the wake of the deal. “It would bring the benefits of the next generation of wireless technology to American consumers and advance American leadership in 5G,” FCC boss Ajit Pai said in a statement. “It would help millions in rural America benefit from high-speed 5G mobile broadband service...and it would promote competition.”
History and Pai’s fellow Commissioners tell a decidedly different story. In a statement, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel warned that mindless consolidation has a proven track record of making things worse for US consumers, not better.