FCC approves Sprint-Clearwire WiMAX combo

The FCC unanimously approved the merger of Sprint Nextel's Xohm WiMAX business with Clearwire, saying the combination would spur competition in the mobile broadband market and accelerate the buildout of advanced technology.

Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate said the competitive analysis of the deal was straightforward and that the new company "could be a textbook example of the new third pipe we have been looking for."     

Sprint and Clearwire Corp. announced in May that Sprint would be merging Sprint's Xohm business with Clearwire to create a new company. The new company, also called Clearwire, will have a $3.2 billion investment from Intel, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Trilogy Equity Partners.

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