The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) claims the FCC has inadequately regulated T-Mobile's acquisition of UScellular, which includes spectrum and customer operations. T-Mobile's plan retains UScellular's wireless towers through a leasing agreement. RWA argues that the deal risks harming rural consumers and decreasing competition, leading to increased prices and insufficient wireless coverage. The group emphasizes UScellular's role in providing competition in underserved areas, predicting that the merger will result in fewer choices for customers. The deal, announced in May 2004, is valued at $4.4 billion and aims to generate investment in rural communities, according to UScellular's CEO.
The Rural Wireless Association, Inc. (RWA) is accusing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of 'rubberstamping' T-Mobile's acquisition of UScellular.
Under the transaction, T-Mobile would acquire UScellular's wireless operations, customers, and approximately 30% of its licensed spectrum.
RWA remains concerned that the acquisition, as approved, will lead to further spectrum concentration, decreased competition, increased prices, and inadequate wireless coverage in rural America.
UScellular President and CEO Laurent Therivel stated, 'There will be more investment in communities because of this deal,' highlighting investment in rural America as both costly and crucial.
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