The Greenlining Institute, which represents the interests of minorities, warned...
The Greenlining Institute, which represents the interests of minorities, warned that it is considering filing a late petition asking the FCC to deny Deutsche Telekom’s proposal to buy MetroPCS, to merge the company with T-Mobile USA. Greenlining and T-Mobile have…
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been at odds over whether officials with the group should have access to confidential information filed at the FCC on the transaction. On Jan. 7, T-Mobile argued in a filing that the group is not a participant in the proceeding and should not have access. “Shortly after the transaction’s announcement, Greenlining and T-Mobile engaged in a series of conversations regarding the purported benefits of the proposed transaction,” Greenlining told the FCC (http://xrl.us/boa8qf). “At those meetings, T-Mobile repeatedly stated that it wanted to be completely open about the transaction, and that Greenlining would have access to T-Mobile’s confidential materials. Greenlining stated that it tentatively supported the transaction, and if T-Mobile addressed the issues raised by Greenlining, Greenlining would file comments in support of the transaction with both this Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).” Subsequently, “it appears that T-Mobile falsely represented that if Greenlining did not make an initial filing with the Commission, T-Mobile would not object to the Greenlining’s receipt of T-Mobile’s Confidential and Highly Confidential documents.” Greenlining said it’s “exploring the possibility of submitting a late-filed Petition to Deny on the grounds that T-Mobile’s material misrepresentations constitute good cause for the delay.” T-Mobile responded. “The combination of T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS will create a stronger carrier, well situated to compete effectively against the other nationwide carriers and better positioned as the country’s leading value carrier,” said Kathleen Ham, T-Mobile vice president. “Importantly, our FCC applications demonstrate that this transaction will result in substantial service quality improvements for the customers of both companies. Suggestions to the contrary are baseless, as are suggestions that T-Mobile has acted in any way to mislead the Greenlining Institute. We intend to respond fully at the FCC."