1. Monthly archive
  2. May 2019

May 2019

FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel has "serious doubts" about blessing wireless consolidation

Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted, "We've seen this kind of consolidation in airlines and with drug companies. But now the @FCC wants to bless the same kind of consolidation for wireless carriers. I have serious doubts. I'm reviewing the conditions that have been proposed by the carriers and blessed by my colleagues. You should have the right to do so, too. The @FCC should put them out for comment so the public can tell us just what they think about this new proposal."

FCC Commissioner O'Rielly 'Inclined' to Approve T-Mobile-Sprint Deal

Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Rielly tweeted:

While I generally withhold all comments regarding pending or prospective mergers, I find it necessary to clarify, at this time, that I am inclined to support T-Mobile/Sprint proposed merger, even if not convinced of the need for all the newly announced conditions being proposed.

Wanda Davis of Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center says seniors can become tech savvy

A Q&A with Wanda Davis, founder of the Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3) in Cleveland (OH). 

Reactions to Chairman Pai's Recommendation for Approval of T-Mobile/Sprint Merger

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced his support on May 20 for approval of T-Mobile’s $26.5-billion takeover of Sprint, following reported concessions made by the two carriers. Reactions:

Sen Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): "T-Mobile has long been a competitive disruptor in the market, bringing down prices and spurring innovation. I don’t think going from four to three major carriers will be good for competition in the long term.”

DOJ Leans Against Approving T-Mobile’s Takeover of Sprint

Apparently, the Justice Department is leaning against approving T-Mobile's proposed takeover of Sprint, even after the companies won the backing of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai. The remedies proposed by the wireless carriers on May 20 don’t go far enough to resolve the department’s concerns that the deal risks harming competition, apparently. While the FCC considers whether a merger is in the public interest, the Justice Department considers a different standard: whether a deal hurts competition and would raise prices for consumers.

What a Broadband Preemption Victory in Arkansas Means For Rural Cities

Arkansas ranks 50th in connectivity and has an average speed of 29.1 megabits per second (Mbps). The average speed for the United States is 42.7 Mbps. But that could soon change. Until recently, the AR legislature preempted local governments from establishing municipal broadband services, leaving AR communities at the mercy of private companies focused on profit. Now, AR is looking to build the infrastructure it needs now for all of its communities, urban and rural.

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