The FCC in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday gave its formal blessing to the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, but the deal’s not done yet.

The three Republicans supported the merger while the two Democrats opposed it. The FCC recently indicated that the merger would receive its blessing.

“The Commission found that the transaction will help close the digital divide and advance United States leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity.  Specifically, T-Mobile and Sprint have committed within three years to deploy 5G service to cover 97% of the American people, and within six years to reach 99% of all Americans.  This commitment includes deploying 5G service to cover 85% of rural Americans within three years and 90% of rural Americans within six years,” the FCC said in a statement.

“The parties also pledged that within six years, 90% of Americans would have access to mobile service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps [megabits per second] and 99% of Americans would have access to speeds of at least 50 Mbps.  This includes two-thirds of rural Americans having access to mobile service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps, and 90% of rural Americans having access to speeds of at least 50 Mbps.”

However, the deal still faces anti-trust concerns.

https://wraltechwire.com/2019/10/29/antitrust-suit-pushes-close-of-t-mobile-merger-with-sprint-to-2020/

T-Mobile says it expects its combination with Sprint to close next year as it awaits a December antitrust trial with a group of state attorneys general.

The company previously planned to complete the deal this year.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission have approved the deal, but a coalition of 15 states and the District of Columbia are trying to block it, saying it will drive up prices for consumers.