FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2019
UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL REYES: THE T-MOBILE/SPRINT MERGER WILL BENEFIT RURAL UTAH
AG Reyes underscores the merger’s benefits for competition, rural broadband, and American 5G leadership
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes today released the following statement regarding the proposed merger of T-Mobile and Sprint:
“I continue to strongly support the T-Mobile/Sprint merger. Since the companies first announced this combination, they have made a compelling case that it will substantially increase competition in the wireless marketplace, accelerate rural broadband deployment, and boost American 5G leadership—resulting in better quality at lower prices, expanded access to the digital economy for underserved Americans, and greater technological competitiveness with China, among other benefits.
“With the commitments the companies have made to the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, the case for the merger has become even more compelling. Notably, the companies have committed to accelerate New T-Mobile’s 5G build-out plans in rural areas to cover 85% of rural Americans within three years and 90% within six years. Without the merger, rural residents in Utah and across the country could need to wait far longer to get the broadband access they so desperately deserve.
“In addition, the merger and accompanying divestiture to DISH would further expand output by ensuring that large amounts of currently unused or underused spectrum are made available to American consumers in the form of high-quality 5G networks.
“Finally, this fortifies the domestic telecom market against unnecessary intrusion by other global players looking to acquire weakened US entities. This merger makes America stronger.”
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