T-Mobile/Sprint merger will bring higher prices, small carriers tell FCC

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T-Mobile's proposed acquisition of Sprint would harm competitors and consumers, particularly in rural America, lobby groups for small carriers say. The Rural Wireless Association (RWA), NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, and other groups filed petitions urging the Federal Communications Commission to block the T-Mobile/Sprint merger this week. "Removing Sprint from the equation through further industry consolidation will result in less competition which will drive prices higher for consumers, and would be decidedly contrary to the public interest," the RWA said. The FCC is required to evaluate whether mergers benefit the public. Rural providers often rely on Sprint for roaming, in part because "T-Mobile has not traditionally focused on rural consumers or markets," NTCA told the FCC. T-Mobile and other nationwide providers (i.e. Verizon and AT&T) charge roaming prices that are "multiple times higher than what Sprint offers," NTCA wrote. T-Mobile also differs from Sprint by demanding "one-sided roaming arrangements," the group said:


T-Mobile/Sprint merger will bring higher prices, small carriers tell FCC