The Vergecast Will the Sprint and T-Mobile merger create competition?
Oct 22, 2019
Gigi Sohn, a distinguished fellow at Georgetown Law's Institute for Technology Law and Policy and an expert in tech policy, discusses the hot topics in telecommunications. She dives into the implications of the Sprint and T-Mobile merger, addressing concerns about competition and market dynamics. The conversation also highlights ongoing state-level net neutrality bills and the complexities emerging in tech regulations. Sohn critically examines whether Dish Network can emerge as a viable fourth carrier amid these changes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
State Net Neutrality
- The court rejected the FCC's attempt to prevent states from regulating net neutrality.
- This allows states to create their own rules protecting consumers and competition.
Public Safety Impact
- The court highlighted the FCC's failure to consider public safety impacts.
- Verizon throttling firefighters' internet in California exemplifies this issue.
Pole Attachment Issues
- Title II classification gives the government control over utility poles, ensuring access for telecom providers.
- Reclassifying broadband as an information service removes this control, hindering competition.