US: T-Mobile promises 3-year price freeze if merger is approved

T-Mobile has committed to offering the same or better rate plans as those offered as of today’s date for three years following the merger, reported Reuters. If the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves the telecom company’s US$26 billion merger with competitor Sprint, T-Mobile will put price increases on hold for three years, T-Mobile CEO John Legere wrote in note sent this week to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

“While we are combining our networks over the next three years, T-Mobile today is submitting to the commission a commitment that I stand behind — a commitment that New T-Mobile will make available the same or better rate plans for our services as those offered today by T-Mobile or Sprint,” Legere wrote in the letter.

Some critics have opposed the deal, announced in April, saying the elimination of one of the four largest wireless providers—Sprint is the No. 4, behind Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—will lead to higher prices and harm consumers.

The pledge comes a week before two committees in the House of Representatives—Energy and Commerce and Judiciary—hold a joint hearing to discuss the transaction. The hearing is set for February 13, and both Legere and Sprint Chairman Marcelo Claure have agreed to testify.