DOJ Key Hurdle to Possible Wireless and Cable Deals, Raymond James Analysts Say
DOJ likely will be the main agency reviewing potential wireless and cable transactions that Wall Street is anticipating, "as the FCC majority is likely to be more hands off," said Raymond James analysts in an investor note Monday that cited…
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conversations with Washington contacts. They "are not convinced" DOJ would clear major wireless mergers, "but the bar at the FCC should be less challenging." The analysts continue to believe the FCC will reverse its prior Title II net neutrality approach under the Communications Act, and that Congress is unlikely to legislate on that. Citing FCC interest in promoting small-cell wireless efforts, they said they believe the commission "will have little tolerance for local hold ups, with no hesitation to use preemption in states that are unreasonable," though such "deployments are likely to be significantly more delayed than they need to be because of the municipality influence."