US regulator the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) yesterday approved the merger of Sprint and Clearwire’s WiMAX assets, agreed the acquisition of Alltel by Verizon, and approved opening up television spectrum for wireless use. The FCC Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the transfer of Sprint and Clearwire’s WiMAX assets to ‘New Clearwire Corporation,’ noting that the deal “is expected to facilitate the build-out of a nationwide WiMAX-based network that will lead to increased competition, greater consumer choice and new, innovative wireless services.” Rival US mobile operator AT&T had previously asked the FCC to block the merger. The final step to creation of the new mobile WiMAX company is now a shareholder vote on November 22, meaning the venture could be created as early as December 1.

Meanwhile the FCC voted 5-0 to approve Verizon’s US$28 billion purchase of Alltel. The FCC made some stipulations to the deal and is requiring Verizon to honour Alltel’s existing roaming agreements for the next four years. It is also requiring Verizon to maintain the same roaming rates, divest service in 100 markets, and contribute to e911 accuracy. The Justice Department approved the deal last week after Verizon agreed to sell assets in 22 states. The FCC’s approval will see the creation of the largest mobile operator in the US. Finally, the FCC also unanimously approved opening up unused frequencies on broadcast television spectrum for wireless use. The regulator has voted to allow “new, sophisticated wireless devices to operate in broadcast television spectrum,” known as ‘white spaces.’ The ruling is a victory for technology giants such as Microsoft, Google and Motorola, which had been battling to open up the so-called white spaces for public use by a new generation of wireless Internet devices.