T-Mobile, Sprint lambast calls for new notice seeking comment

T-Mobile and Sprint filed their opposition to calls for a formal comment period on proposed changes to their planned merger, saying petitioners already have had plenty of time to comment and it’s time for the Federal Communications Commission to act. The August 9 filing came after the Wireless Internet Services Providers Association (WISPA) on August 8 filed a request for a public notice and review period. WISPA’s request followed one lodged by the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. RWA and NTCA called for, among other things, details of Dish’s agreement to be made available under the FCC’s protective review orders, at a minimum, and said there’s no immediate urgency for the FCC to act without public comment on the newer issues. WISPA also suggested that proposed changes to the rural broadband market could affect competition with smaller fixed broadband providers and eligibility for universal service high-cost funding.  

T-Mobile and Sprint are having none of it, saying “the Petitioners have articulated no credible basis that could plausibly justify yet another delay in Commission action in this proceeding."