AT&T Secures FCC Approval for $1.02B Spectrum Deal Amid DEI Policy Shift
AT&T Inc. cleared a critical regulatory hurdle as the Federal Communications Commission greenlit its $1.02 billion acquisition of UScellular spectrum licenses. The deal bolsters AT&T's network capacity—a strategic MOVE to enhance coverage and performance amid intensifying 5G competition.
Approval came with a notable condition: the FCC mandated termination of AT&T's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This reflects lingering Trump-era telecom policies, where DEI provisions became bargaining chips in spectrum negotiations. Regulators appear to prioritize spectrum efficiency over social governance mandates.
The purchased airwaves will deploy across AT&T's existing infrastructure, potentially improving service for 23 million customers. Analysts note the timing aligns with rival Verizon's recent mid-band spectrum investments—a sector-wide scramble to dominate next-gen wireless markets.
