US judge approves Sprint-T-Mobile merger
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[NEW YORK] A federal judge on Tuesday approved the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, US media reported, clearing the way for the number three and four US mobile phone companies to combine.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, who has backed the deal, applauded a ruling from US District Judge Victor Marrero that held the combination would not significantly harm competition.
"The T-Mobile-Sprint merger will help close the digital divide and secure United States leadership in 5G," said Mr Pai, pointing to a pledge from T-Mobile to expand telecom services to rural areas in the United States.
Critics had lambasted the deal and said the removal of a leading provider would ultimately lead to higher prices.
Backers of the deal said combining T-Mobile and Sprint will create a strong number three US wireless carrier behind Verizon and AT&T, with the resources to invest in 5G, or fifth-generation, networks.
AFP
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