In a fairly standard move, the US Department of Justice along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation have filed a request with the FCC pertaining to the T-Mobile, MetroPCS merger. Both government entities have asked the FCC to “defer action,” or have asked them to delay their decision in order for both parties to decide if the deal has any “national security, law enforcement, and public safety issues.”

They’ve asked the FCC to refrain from taking action, whether approving or striking down the merger until they can complete their own reviews. The FCC is now on day 33 of its 180-day shot clock review, and did not signal if they would halt their review or wait for the other agencies to complete their reviews before rendering their decision.

The Department of Justice (“DOJ”), including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), with the concurrence of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), requests that the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) defer action on the above-referenced matter. DOJ, DHS, and FBI (“the Agencies”) are currently reviewing this matter for any national security, law enforcement, and public safety issues but have not yet completed that effort. We therefore request that the Commission defer action until such time as the Agencies notify the Commission of the completion of their review and, based on the results of such review, request appropriate action by the Commission.

DOJ, FBI, and DHS will advise the Commission promptly upon completion of our review.

Phonescoop via FCC