How the Sprint/T-Mobile Merger Would Harm Consumers, Competition and Jobs

Today, Americans can choose between four nationwide wireless carriers – but that choice is now threatened by the proposed merger of Sprint and T-Mobile. If allowed to proceed as proposed, this merger will condense the market to just three national carriers, leading to higher prices, foreclosing the entrance of new competitors and eliminating jobs. And while the companies have promised that this deal would speed the roll out of 5G and improve rural service, the facts belie these claims. This deal offers no meaningful public benefit and threatens vast consumer harms. If ever a deal deserved to be blocked by our regulators, it is this one.

[Phillip Berenbroick is senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge. Carri Bennet is general counsel to the Rural Wireless Association, which represents rural wireless carriers that serve fewer than 100,000 subscribers.]