FCC Approves T-Mobile Merger With MetroPCS

T-Mobile and MetroPCS received the U.S. government's nod of approval to proceed with their merger Tuesday.

Federal Communications Commission chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement that it is "in the public interest" for the deal between the two carriers to be "allowed and enforced so long as third parties are not harmed."

FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel added in a statement that the deal would increase competition in the wireless market by creating a "stronger fourth national wireless carrier" in addition to AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. "By allowing these two market disruptors to join forces and harmonize their spectrum holdings, today’s action should ultimately lead to more choices and lower prices for consumers," Rosenworcel said.