Commissioner Clyburn Stmt on Bureau Approval of T-Mobile and MetroPCS

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

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March 12, 2013
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STATEMENT BY FCC COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN

ON BUREAU ORDER AND DECLARATORY RULING THAT APPROVES THE

APPLICATIONS OF T-MOBILE AND METROPCS

“Based on the record before the Bureau, I generally agree that these transfer of control
applications would not likely result in competitive harm to wireless consumers. It also appears
that this transaction could lead to benefits such as greater deployment of advanced Long Term
Evolution (“LTE”) services, the expansion of the MetroPCS brand into new geographical
markets, and the development of a more robust, nationwide network. Some commenters such as
Communications Workers of America raised significant concerns with regard to whether, post-
merger, the new company would pursue non-network synergies and efficiencies that could lead
to significant job losses, a reduction in employment standards, and an adverse impact on
customer service. In this regard, T-Mobile and MetroPCS made a statement that they have no
plans to move call centers offshore or to reduce employment levels at T-Mobile call centers.
They also stated that, over the last six months, the company has hired more than 3,600
employees in its 17 domestic call centers, and plans to continue hiring in those call centers,
increasing the number of overall U.S. positions, to support its customers. I hope that the new
company, in fact, pursues a course that increases employment opportunities.”

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