Today:  FCC Opens Docket for Proposed Sprint T-Mobile Merger, California City Strikes Small Cell Infrastructure Deal  

FCC Opens Docket for Proposed Sprint T-Mobile Merger

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunication Bureau issued a public notice opening a docket for the proposed transfer of control of Sprint to T-Mobile.  The FCC also issued a protective order regarding documents filed in the proceeding.  T-Mobile and Sprint informed the FCC that they plan on filing applications seeking FCC approval to transfer control to T-Mobile of the licenses and authorizations held by Sprint and its wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries.  The public notice also sets out the ex parte status of discussions related to the proposed transaction. 

California City Strikes Small Cell Infrastructure Deal

The city of San Jose, California announced agreements with Verizon, AT&T, and Mobilite to install small cell infrastructure throughout the city.   The installations will appear on approximately 4,000 City-owned poles and represent over approximately $500 million in private investments.  The city expects the small cell deployment to increase wireless speeds by 10 to 100 times faster than it is currently.  This will also pave the way for future 5G and other next-generation technologies.  In addition, the private companies will contribute approximately $24 million over the next decade to the City’s new Digital Inclusion Fund. 

The City Council will consider these agreements at its June 26 meeting.  According to the terms of the lease agreements, each company will be required to comply with the City’s public noticing process before installing a small cell on any of the City’s light poles.  Each small cell will also have to meet the City’s established design standards, which restrict the size and placement of each installation.

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