Katherine Hamilton
Instacart Ordered to Pay $60 Million to Settle FTC Deceptive-Practices Claim
Instacart has been ordered to pay $60 million in refunds to customers to settle allegations from the Federal Trade Commission that it used deceptive practices to raise costs for shoppers. The FTC alleged that the grocery-delivery platform falsely advertised free delivery and 100% satisfaction guarantee, and also didn’t adequately disclose the terms for Instacart+ membership. Consumers were still charged a service fee for deliveries, despite the free-delivery advertising, the FTC claimed.
T-Mobile, Comcast, Charter Team Up on Mobile Services for Businesses
Three leaders of the telecommunications industry are collaborating to bulk up their services for business customers. Comcast and Charter Communications have agreed to use T-Mobile’s network to deliver mobile services to their business clients starting in 2026. The deal is expected to expand Charter’s and Comcast’s ability to deliver wireline and wireless offerings. Mobile services will be offered by Charter under its Spectrum Mobile for Business and by Comcast under its Business Mobile brands.
EchoStar Misses Second Interest Payment Amid FCC Review
EchoStar is skipping another interest payment as it awaits the conclusion of a review by the Federal Communications Commission.The Englewood (CO) owner of Dish TV and Boost Mobile said it wouldn’t make a $183 million cash interest payment related to its Dish DBS company. The missed payment comes after the company said it elected not to make a $326 million interest payment related to its spectrum business. EchoStar said it isn’t making these payments because of uncertainty surrounding an FCC review.
Crown Castle to Sell Fiber Segment for $8.5 Billion
Crown Castle agreed to sell its fiber segment for $8.5 billion following a more than year-long strategic review of the business. The communications infrastructure owner and operator said it plans to sell the small cells part of the business to EQT Active Core Infrastructure, and the fiber solutions segment to Zayo Group Holdings. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Crown Castle said it plans to use the cash proceeds to repay existing debt and fund anticipated share repurchases. Crown Castle aims to focus on its U.S. tower operations.