Home › News ›

Justice Dept. Wants FCC to Defer Sprint-Softbank Review

Jan 29, 2013, 1:14 PM by Eric M. Zeman

The Department of Justice today asked the Federal Communications Commission to defer its review of Softbank's proposed 70% equity acquisition of Sprint. According to a letter sent to the FCC by the DoJ, it wants time to conduct its own review for any possible security concerns. The letter read, in part, "The Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the concurrence of the Department of Homeland Security, requests that the Federal Communications Commission defer action on the above-referenced matter. DOJ, DHS, and FBI are currently reviewing this matter for any national security, law enforcement, and public safety issues but have not yet completed that effort. We therefore request that the Commission defer action until such time as the Agencies notify the Commission of the completion of their review and, based on the results of such review, request appropriate action by the Commission." Softbank, which offered $20.1 billion for a controlling stake in Sprint, is based in Japan. Sprint competitor AT&T last year warned that federal regulators should weigh giving control of so much U.S. spectrum to a foreign firm. The FCC has not officially responded to the DoJ's request.

Related

Android and Google Devices Now Support Matter

Dec 15, 2022
Google has updated its Google Home app and Google Home / Nest devices to fully support Matter, the new industry standard for smart home control. Existing Google home hardware can serve as a Matter hub, including the original Google Home speaker, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Nest Audio, Nest Hub (1st and 2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, and Nest Wifi Pro.

T-Mobile Takes on FirstNet with Priority Access for First Responders

Jun 17, 2021
T-Mobile is rolling out a new feature that enables priority access to the network for approved first responders during emergencies. The feature provides some competition for AT&T's FirstNet, which also provides priority access for first responders.

Apple Makes Major App Store Concession on Media Subscriptions

Sep 1, 2021
Starting early next year, Apple will allow media player apps like Spotify and Netflix to direct new users to subscribe via their own web sites and third-party payment systems. Previously, Apple required such apps to use Apple's payment system, where Apples takes a cut of up to 30%.

Apple Must Allow Apps To Steer Customers to Alternative Payment Methods, Rules Federal Judge

Sep 10, 2021
A US Federal Judge has ruled that Apple must allow app developers to "steer" customers away from Apple's App Store payment service, which collects a fee of up to 30%. The ruling was part of Fortnite maker Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple for anti-competitive behavior.

FTC Sues to Stop Nvidia's Acquisition of Arm

Dec 2, 2021
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action to block the proposed acquisition of Arm by Nvidia. Arm designs chip architectures used throughout mobile and computing industries.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

sp_5015

Jan 29, 2013, 4:18 PM

Here you have it....

"The review is likely aimed at ensuring that Softbank continues to work with U.S. law enforcement to create wiretaps when there is a court order, said James Lewis, a cybersecurity expert with the Center for Strategic and International Affairs." - Reuters

Softbank will obtain Sprint, Sprint will obtain Clearwire, AT&T and Verizon will be pooping bricks....

KOL4420

LOL well said. Its only a matter of time. I love how the industry right now is split into two groups greedy companies with expensive service for less and more flexible companies with economical service options for less. I wonder who is going to win th...
(continues)

...

wc4r

Jan 29, 2013, 1:54 PM

AT&T is worried

While I believe the Softbank majority purchase will ultimately go through, this shows the political influence of a wireless business in Washington.
AT&T will do what ever it takes to slow, block, interfere with the growth of a competitor. They know this will significantly harm their business due to the enhanced, formidable competition.
A big plus for consumers however.

Versed

And you think its just AT&T? I would include the other 2 major carriers in this.

...

johnhr2

Jan 29, 2013, 3:49 PM

Has D.C. forgotten about T-mobile?

The have no stance using a foreign company owning lots of spectrum. T-mobile USA is 100% own by their Germany parent company, but Sprint would only be 70% own by Softbank. If they block this based of foreign ownership then they better be ready to break T-mobile up.

KOL4420

Unfortunately it doesnt work that way, their main concern is "National Security"

https://www.phonescoop.com/articles/discuss.php?fm=m ... »

He pretty much answered some of the concerns. ;)

Page 1 of 1