Senate Democrats Urge FCC, DOJ to Pre-emptively Begin Antitrust Review of Potential Sprint/T-Mobile

Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee ranking member Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken, both D-Minn., led a letter urging FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and DOJ Antitrust Division head Makan Delrahim to begin an investigation now into the impact of a potential Sprint/T-Mobile merger, ahead of any official announcement from the carriers. Sprint and T-Mobile reportedly are close to agreeing to terms (see 1709220056). “Beginning an investigation into a merger of T-Mobile and Sprint now will allow your agencies to quickly, but fully, review the agreement if it is announced,” said Klobuchar, Franken and seven other Senate Democrats. “The likelihood of the transaction occurring combined with the serious issues that it raises provide compelling reason for DOJ and the FCC to begin investigating the potential transaction.” Further consolidation of the U.S. wireless market “will thwart” benefits of competition shown among the current top-four carriers, which include “lower prices, better service, and more innovation,” the senators said. Other Democrats who signed the letter include Senate Commerce Committee members Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ed Markey of Massachusetts. DOJ "is in receipt of the Senators' letter," a spokesman said. The FCC didn't comment.