\tCritics argued a pledge by T-Mobile US and Sprint not to raise tariffs for three years following their proposed merger [1] is riddled with loopholes which will allow the companies to increase prices anyway.<\/p>\n
In a new filing with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the operators sought to quell opponents’ accusations the deal will increase consumer costs, stating: \u201cNew T-Mobile will make available the same or better rate plans as those offered by T-Mobile or Sprint as of today\u2019s date [4 February] for three years following the merger.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pair added they would not object to the commitment being included as a formal condition for regulatory approval of their merger.<\/p>\n
T-Mobile and Sprint said the statement was intended to simplify the FCC\u2019s review of the deal and \u201cremove any doubts, concerns or ambiguity\u201d about their post-merger plans.<\/p>\n
But the 4Competition Coalition, a group of companies and consumer groups opposed to the deal, argued in a statement the pledge is an \u201cempty promise that does not provide any real price protection for consumers\u201d.<\/p>\n
The group, which counts Dish Network [2]; C Spire; the Rural Wireless Association; and the Communications Workers of America union [3] among its members, added the offer comprised \u201cprecisely the kind of behavioural conditions that regulators have found insufficient in merger reviews.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fine print
\nNotably, T-Mobile and Sprint\u2019s commitment does not cover handset and other device costs, which can contribute significantly to monthly bills when users are on equipment instalment plans.<\/p>\n
There is also a provision which notes legacy prices may be changed to pass along cost increases from taxes, fees and surcharges, and service charges from third-party partners.<\/p>\n
Additionally, some third-party benefits may be modified or scrapped altogether based on changes to agreements with those vendors, though T-Mobile and Sprint said such changes are outwith their control.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/home-banner\/t-mobile-to-lead-combined-co-in-sprint-merger\/
\n[2] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/dish-leads-opposition-to-sprint-t-mobile-merger\/
\n[3] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/us-union-worried-about-t-mobile-sprint-deal\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Critics argued a pledge by T-Mobile US and Sprint not to raise tariffs for three …<\/p>\n
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