Media Contact: 
Evan Swarztrauber, (202) 418-2261
Evan.Swarztrauber@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

CARR ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR T-MOBILE – SPRINT TRANSACTION
FCC Commissioner Cites Increased Competition, 5G Service for Rural America

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2019—Today, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr announced his support for the merger between wireless providers T-Mobile and Sprint, citing the increased competition Americans will see for wireless and in-home Internet services, as well as commitments to accelerate the buildout of fast, 5G service in rural America.

“I support the combination of T-Mobile and Sprint because Americans across the country will see more competition and an accelerated buildout of fast, 5G services,” Carr said.  “The proposed transaction will strengthen competition in the U.S. wireless market and provide mobile and in-home broadband access to communities that demand better coverage and more choices,” Carr added.

T-Mobile and Sprint announced their proposed merger more than a year ago.  Since then, the FCC has received extensive evidence from a wide range of parties interested in the transaction.  

T-Mobile’s leadership made specific commitments to build out 5G and next-generation wireless services to rural America in a filing this morning.  The company made firm commitments to construct its network in unserved areas and serve those communities with fiber-like speeds that will be independently verified.  T-Mobile detailed new binding commitments to accelerate rural 5G deployment and offer in-home broadband more widely.

“Today’s commitments to bring 5G to rural America are verifiable and enforceable.  The proposed transaction’s investment in rural 5G will help close the digital divide—this FCC’s top priority,” said Carr.  “American leadership in 5G depends on giving all communities a fair shot at next-gen access.  I am pleased that the parties have agreed to invest in securing the U.S.’s preeminence in 5G.”

“Approving this combination will help the U.S. notch another win in the global race to 5G,” Carr added.

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Office of Commissioner Brendan Carr: (202) 418-2200
Twitter: @BrendanCarrFCC
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/brendan-carr