Published
3 years agoon
Kingburg will get a promised T-Mobile call center, bringing approximately new 1,000 jobs, under a settlement announced today by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
The settlement resolves the state’s legal challenge to the company’s $26.5 billion purchase of Sprint., which it argued was unlawful and would lead to reduced competition and increased prices for consumers.
Related Story: Kingsburg Optimistic That 1,000 Job Employer Will Come
California joined a coalition of 14 other states to block the merger, but a federal judge in February ruled it could proceed.In April 2019, T-Mobile announced that it had chosen the Kingsburg area for a “Customer Experience Center.” The company said positions at the call center would pay salaries averaging at least 50% more than the average in Fresno County.
Related Story: T-Mobile Merger Is a Great Thing for Valley: Autry
Following the federal court ruling allowing the merger, Kingsburg City Manager Alexander Henderson said talks with T-Mobile were ongoing but no location for the call center had yet been identified.The merger is still pending court approval of a separate agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice as well as an OK from California’s Public Utilities Commission.
T-Mobile has said that it expects to close the deal as early as April 1. Its Sprint deal would create a new wireless giant that is roughly the size of AT&T and Verizon.
As part of the settlement announced by Becerra, T-Mobile will reimburse California for the costs and fees of its investigation and its litigation challenging the merger.
The company will also make low-cost phone and data plans available in the state for at least 5 years, provide no-cost internet and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot devices to 10 million low-income households nationwide, and increase employee diversity.
Related Story: California Among States Looking to Head Off T-Mobile-Sprint Deal in Court
Associated Press contributed to this report.Randy Reed is a writer and content producer for GV Wire. He has experience reporting for local radio stations and newspapers. In addition, he an extensive background in video production focused on news and documentary subjects. Reed is a proud graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communications. In his free time, Reed enjoys digital photography as a hobby and loves to explore the scenic beauty of our Valley’s three spectacular National Parks. You can contact Randy at 559-705-2107 or Send an Email.
Signatures Submitted in Jewel Hurtado Recall Effort. Did Organizers Collect Enough?
Olympian Rafer Johnson’s Legacy Lives on in Kingsburg, a Place He Returned to Often
T-Mobile Pulls Back Pledge to Create 1,000 Jobs in Kingsburg
Kingsburg Optimistic That 1,000 Job Employer Will Come
Judge Clears Major Hurdle in T-Mobile's $26.5B Sprint Bid
California Among States Looking to Head Off T-Mobile-Sprint Deal in Court