(Lucas Jackson/Reuters)T-Mobile and Sprint are reportedly nearing a merger deal that would combine the nation’s third- and fourth-largest wireless carriers, respectively — adding to a whirlwind of consolidation in the communications industry. But the merger would require convincing antitrust regulators that a deal that eliminates a competitor is good for consumers. In 2011, AT&T dropped an attempted merger with T-Mobile after running into resistance from the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission. Three years later, Sprint called off merger negotiations with T-Mobile over the same concerns. To bolster their case before regulators, T-Mobile and Sprint are also expected to argue that competition is rising — from the cable industry.

Source: Washington Post April 27, 2018 23:37 UTC