Sprint aims to push FCC into blocking AT&T-T-Mobile deal
updated 01:25 pm EDT, Mon October 3, 2011
Sprint ex parte letter asking FCC to block merger
Wireless carrier Sprint has filed an ex parte letter (PDF) with the FCC, asking it to bring the proposed AT&T buyout of T-Mobile to a hearing overseen by an administrative law judge. While the FCC is still deliberating a final decision on the matter, its objection would result in just such a hearing. Sprint is trying to speed up the process and ask the FCC to deny the merger.
Similar letters have been filed by other organizations and companies, such as Public Knowledge and Dish Network, that believe they would be hurt by the merger.
Sprint, the Department of Justice and seven other US States and Puerto Rico have filed lawsuits against AT&T because of the proposed merger. A Justice Department hearing is scheduled for February 13.
Many of the companies involved in the lawsuits argue that the deal will hurt competition, as the resulting deal will create the largest US carrier by a big margin, with over 130 million customers. [via PhoneScoop]
