The probability for a T-Mobile merger with Sprint has risen greatly, FCC checks reveal

Our recent [Washington] DC checks make us more confident that the S-TMUS merger will be approved,” the analysts wrote in a note to investors this week. “Our checks continue to indicate that S / TMUS regulatory review remains fairly drama-free thus far. Contacts indicate that the FCC review continues to proceed as expected. While the DoJ is admittedly a walled garden, most contacts we spoke have not heard chatter coming out of the agency which would suggest there exist insurmountable barriers in completing this marriage. Most, however, do believe there will be required spectrum divestitures to get the deal over the finish line. In terms of timing, two checks indicated if the path continues as planned, it is not out of the realm of possibility to see approvals by Q1’19.