Executive Summary
This FCC filing is a coalition letter from the Rural Wireless Association, Open Technology Institute, Benton Institute, and Communications Workers of America opposing the delegation of authority to FCC staff to review and approve several license transfer applications involving T-Mobile, Verizon, US Cellular, and AT&T. The coalition argues these transactions are interdependent and require full Commission review due to potential negative impacts on competition, rural service, and the public interest.
Key Points
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Opposition to Staff Delegation: The coalition strongly opposes the delegation of authority to FCC staff to review and approve the license transfer applications, demanding instead a full Commission review.
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Interdependency of Transactions: The coalition emphasizes the interdependent nature of the T-Mobile/US Cellular, Verizon/US Cellular, and AT&T/US Cellular transactions, arguing that a holistic review is necessary to assess their cumulative impact.
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Competition and Rural Service Concerns: The coalition raises concerns about the potential negative effects of these transactions on competition, particularly in rural areas, as well as on consumer welfare and the labor market.
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Legal and Factual Errors: The coalition points to previously identified legal and factual errors in related applications as further justification for full Commission review.
This filing could significantly delay approval timelines for major carrier consolidation efforts. Companies involved in these transactions should prepare for extended review periods and potential additional regulatory scrutiny. Rural service providers and competitors may see increased opportunities if transactions are blocked or modified.