CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two leaders in the West Virginia House of Delegates came out in support of the proposed merger between Sprint Corp. and T-Mobile, Inc.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, and Committee on Technology and Infrastructure Vice Chairman Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, released a statement on Thursday backing conditions set by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, noting the possibility of increasing wireless broadband coverage.
“This deal, should it be approved, could significantly improve access to high-speed wireless technologies in West Virginia,” Hanshaw said. “I applaud President Trump’s FCC Chairman for securing significant commitments from these companies to boost wireless coverage in rural areas like West Virginia.”
“Having a strong third carrier in the wireless industry will increase competition and unleash the power of the free-market to benefit consumers across the Mountain State. If approved, this deal could ignite a wave of broadband and cellular technology expansion across West Virginia over the next six years,” Linville said.
The deal would require the company to cover 97% of the nation’s population with high-speed wireless coverage over the next three years, and 99% after six years.
The U.S. Department of Justice has to approve the deal.