CPUC Stands by $3.59M Fine for T-Mobile CDMA Statements

The California Public Utilities Commission refused to rehear a decision fining T-Mobile $3.59 million for allegedly misleading the agency about its CDMA transition during the state's Sprint merger review. The carrier in December sought rehearing of the CPUC’s Nov. 7 decision (see 2212080019 and 2211030064). Rehearing isn’t warranted, said a CPUC order issued Friday (docket A.18-07-012). “T-Mobile did not make it clear and unambiguous that it intended to shut down the CDMA network before the expiration of the three-year migration period,” the commission said. “It was reasonable for us to interpret T-Mobile as committing to operate the CDMA network for three years.” The commission also stood by its penalties calculation, saying it was correct that Verizon’s failure was a continuing violation that caused harm to the economy and regulatory process. "We continue to strongly disagree with the CPUC’s flawed conclusions," a T-Mobile spokesperson said Monday. "We stand by our prior statements to the CPUC and are considering options for next steps."