T-Mobile says it didn't compromise its values to get FCC to approve fiber deal [UPDATED]

T-Mobile says that it's still committed to its core values and it continuously reviews its programs to ensure they are compliant with the law. The company also told us that a normal update broke a link on the website, implying the DEI page was never intentionally taken down.

T-Mobile claims its the fifth-largest internet company and the fastest-growing broadband provider in the US and the purchase of Lumos will help it deliver faster and more reliable internet to customers.

While T-Mobile provides home internet or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) using its 5G network, it doesn't have enough capacity to meet the demand of all interested consumers and only offers 5G home internet to 6.4 million customers, waitlisting more than a million people. Besides, 5G internet is slower than fiber and it's believed that wireless and fiber convergence help companies retain customers.

The company provides fiber services in 32 US markets through partnerships with fiber companies.

Lumos customers will also enjoy many of the same benefits as existing T-Mobile customers, including T-Mobile Tuesdays freebies while paying the same low monthly prices.

T-Mobile says the deal will also help it bring connectivity to rural and underserved areas. It expects to have 12 to 15 million fiber customers by the end of 2030.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr had made it clear a few days ago that merger plans wouldn't be approved for companies engaged in what he viewed as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) discrimination. T-Mobileannounced on March 27 that it was "conducting a comprehensive review of its DEI policies, programs, and activities." And, unsurprisingly, a day later, the deal was greenlit.

While the company insists that it hasn't ended its DEI program, its actions speak otherwise, as its DEI landing page is no longer there.