For Immediate Release
Contact: Ally Abrams 202-467-5310

August 14, 2019
 

On August 14, 2019, Federal Communications Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft order that if adopted by the commission would approve the merger between T-Mobile and Sprint. The order imposes strict conditions on the merger that ensures rural buildout to underserved communities and the deployment of 5G network infrastructure. Following Chairman Pai’s announcement, CAGW President Tom Schatz made the following statement: 

“The draft order approving the T-Mobile-Sprint merger moves the nation one step closer to a robust 5G infrastructure and provides rural Americans with assurance that they will benefit from the development of next generation technologies. We look forward to the adoption of the order, and trust that the meritless court case challenging the merger by 10 state attorneys general will be resolved soon.

“T-Mobile and Sprint have committed to deploying a 5G network that would cover 97 percent of the U.S. population within three years after the merger and 99 percent within six years. These commitments to the FCC are subject to stringent enforcement mechanisms if they are not met within the stated time frames.

“CAGW urges the FCC to approve the draft order issue by Chairman Pai.”