T-Mobile's Proposed Buy of UScellular Operations Gets More Support

2412100044). “The weight of evidence indicates that the proposed T-Mobile/UScellular merger, if approved, would produce pro-competitive benefits” and “benefit UScellular subscribers by giving them access to 5G services with faster speeds and higher data capacity,” FSF said in a filing posted Wednesday in docket 24-286. The U.S. wireless market is “characterized by strong competition among three nationwide mobile wireless providers -- T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, an emergent fourth nationwide provider in EchoStar, local wireless providers, and regional hybrid cellular-cable mobile virtual network operators Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile,” the group said. Jeffrey Westling, American Action Forum director-technology and innovation, said that even if the FCC “narrowly” defines the wireless market as “just facilities-based, 5G mobile service, the proposed transaction will promote competition and benefit consumers.” Carriers “must carefully consider where to invest resources to provide the best coverage at the most cost-effective point,” Westling said: “In many cases, a merger … can provide an ideal outcome that limits duplication of efforts.” The American Consumer Institute also called on the FCC to approve the deal. “The proposed transaction is motivated by T-Mobile and UScellular’s desire to improve network capabilities and provide better services for consumers, both in the public’s interest,” ACI said.