Open Markets Condemns DOJ Plan to Allow T-Mobile to Buy Sprint; Calls on State AGs to Pursue Challenge to Deal

Washington, DC — The Open Markets Institute condemns the Department of Justice Antitrust Division for approving T-Mobile's plan to acquire its wireless competitor Sprint. The DOJ’s requirement that T-Mobile sell spectrum, customers, and other assets to Dish in exchange for approval of the deal will not fix the problem, and indeed insults the intelligence of the American public. If Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Makan Delrahim truly believes there should be four competitors in the U.S. wireless market, he should simply block this deal.

"The leadership at the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission have failed in their job at protecting America's citizens from the concentration of power that would result from this deal,” Open Markets Institute Executive Director Barry Lynn said. “Americans across the country will likely pay higher prices for worse service in a wireless market dominated by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The problem is especially bad for poor and rural customers."

The good news is that 13 state attorneys general plus DC Attorney General Karl Racine have also sued to block the deal.  Open Markets urges these AGs to continue their fight to protect America’s citizens, businesses, and communities from this dangerous concentration of power and control. Healthy competition means not only lower prices, better service, and faster innovation, but also safer, more connected, and more prosperous communities. 

The Open Markets Institute has opposed the merger for months now, including in comments before the FCC and DOJ. 

For more information: 

Open Markets Applauds State AGs Move to Block T-Mobile Sprint Deal
Open Markets Signs Coalition Letter Opposing T-Mobile Spring Mega-Merger
Open Markets Institute Submits Joint Brief in Opposition to T-Mobile Sprint Merger
American Prosperity Depends on Stopping Mega-Mergers