Judge Won't Stand in Way of T-Mobile/Sprint

The judge who heard states' case about whether T-Mobile can buy Sprint won't block the deal.

Judge Victor Marrero isn't finding for states. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York jurist's decision was released Tuesday.

Marrero disagreed the new T-Mobile would pursue anti-competitive behavior that would result in higher prices or lower quality and lessen competition in a national market. The judge disagreed that Sprint would be strong without the merger. He also disagreed that Dish wouldn't be a viable national competitor entering the market under the DOJ pact. "The court concludes that judgment should be entered in favor of Defendants and Plaintiff States' request to enjoin the Proposed Merger should be denied."

In December and January, Marrero heard the trial. The FCC and DOJ have approved the deal. The California Public Utilities Commission hasn't decided whether to greenlight T-Mobile/Sprint. Tunney Act review also remains pending at the U.S. District Court in Washington.