FCC approves T-Mobile, Metro PCS deal, says it will “serve the public interest”

FCC chairman Julius Genachowski has approved of Deutsche Telekom plans to acquire MetroPCS saying it will “serve the public interest” Tuesday afternoon.

News of the planned acquisition surfaced in October 2012, which would make for a stronger wireless carrier in the US. With regulatory obstacles out of the way, the new corporate entity will merge all PCS, AWS-1 and 700MHz spectrum licenses across 248 Cellular Market Areas.

MetroPCS and T-Mobile will continue to operate under separate business units in their respective markets. That is, until 2015 when the two operators will consolidate into one single cellular network. FCC chairman Genachowski made a statement praising the deal below:

“With today’s approval, America’s mobile market continues to strengthen, moving toward robust competition and revitalized competitors. We are seeing billions more in network investment, while the courts have upheld key FCC decisions to accelerate broadband build-out, promote competition, and benefit consumers, including our broadband data roaming and pole attachment rules. Today’s action will benefit millions of American consumers and help the U.S maintain the global leadership in mobile it has regained in recent years.
“Mobile broadband is a key engine of economic growth, with U.S. annual wireless capital investment up 40% over the last four years, the largest increase in the world, and few sectors having more potential to create jobs. In this fast-moving space, of course challenges remain, including the need to unleash even more spectrum for mobile broadband and continuing to promote competition and protect consumers. The Commission will stay focused on these vital goals.”

The deal should, as FCC chairman Genachowski noted, help strengthen America’s mobile market. Good things for T-Mobile are coming as it strives to become the “uncarrier“. Hopefully with this deal we’ll begin to see the telecom monopoly begin dying down.