DOJ Approves Merger: The much-discussed, long-awaited merger between T-Mobile and Sprint moved closer to reality with the approval by the US DOJ (Department of Justice) on Friday, July 26. This approval comes after FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced his support for the $26 billion merger in May.

This combination of T-Mobile and Sprint is expected to speed up the spread of 5G across the US. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr noted on CNBC that “The acceleration of the build-out on this transaction, makes it a good deal.” Another aspect of this merger is the cellular assets that Dish Network will be acquiring from T-Mobile and Sprint, including access to at least 20,000 of T-Mobiles cell sites.

The DOJ approval of the merger still faces challenges from a lawsuit brought by the attorney generals in several states that insist the merger will adversely affect consumers. Letitia James, the New York attorney general, noted in the Wall Street Journal that the agreement brokered by the Justice Department would hurt consumers and “violates antitrust laws.”

How this DOJ approved merger will impact cell tower and rooftop antenna owners remains to be determined. If you would like to find out more about how this merger could affect your cellular ground leases, contact a cellular ground lease expert at Crescendo Capital Partners. Our professionals can address your situation and concerns. Call 203.972.3200 or email info@crescendotrust.com