US: FCC chair recommends approval of merger between T-Mobile and Sprint

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took a step toward approving the $26 billion merger between T-Mobile and Sprint on Wednesday, circulating a proposal that would allow the companies to combine and sell off assets to Dish so that it can enter the wireless industry.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced Wednesday that he was formally recommending that the deal be approved by his fellow commissioners.

“After one of the most exhaustive merger reviews in Commission history, the evidence conclusively demonstrates that this transaction will bring fast 5G wireless service to many more Americans and help close the digital divide in rural areas,” Pai said in a statement.

“Moreover, with the conditions included in this draft Order, the merger will promote robust competition in mobile broadband, put critical mid-band spectrum to use, and bring new competition to the fixed broadband market.”

The Department of Justice also approved the deal last month on the condition that it sell off Boost Mobile — Sprint’s prepaid wireless brand — and other assets so that Dish could join the industry as a fourth competitor. Makan Delrahim, the head of the DOJ’s antitrust division, applauded the FCC’s move on Wednesday.