SpectrumWatch: FCC Approves T-Mobile/MetroPCS Merger, Citing Competitive Benefits
On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) approved the proposed merger of cellular service providers T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS. In its written opinion and order, the FCC’s Wireless Bureau concluded that the proposed merger would benefit competition in the wireless market by, among other things, providing the combined company with greater spectrum resources for its LTE network. The Bureau’s action underscores the value that federal policymakers place on maintaining four national carriers―an issue that…