https://www.cablefax.com/uncategorized/t-mobile-addresses-dei-with-fcc-disney-remains-under-fire
T-Mobile has a few transactions looming before the FCC, including the formation of a jv to acquire Lumos, and it has reached out to the agency in an attempt to assuage any fears related to its policies around diversity, equity and inclusion. In a Thursday letter to the Commission, T-Mobile EVP/General Counsel Mark Nelson said the provider is conducting a comprehensive review of its DEI policies, programs and activities. That review will include an examination of the company’s training programs and materials, HR processes, supplier programs and more. “As a result, our new supplier development program no longer focuses on specific categories of diverse businesses and instead is directed at fostering opportunities for small businesses,” Nelson said. The company has also eliminated specific targets or goals for diverse spend in its procurement policies instead making it clear that purchases and contracts are awarded based on the best qualified and most competitive suppliers to support T-Mobile’s success. The wireless operator also dissolved its External Diversity & Inclusion Councils, which it created five years ago in partnership with civil rights organizations to advise the company on workforce recruitment, procurement, community investment and corporate governance. “At the same time, T-Mobile remains committed to the principle that we can best serve our customers, employees and shareholders through a diversely talented workforce and supplier base that comes from all walks of life,” Nelson said. “T-Mobile excels when its workforce and its suppliers bring a multitude of skills and backgrounds to our collective effort to be the nation’s best wireless company. We will remain committed to these principles.” T-Mobile’s letter comes after FCC Chair Brendan Carr confirmed that companies looking to receive regulatory approval for M&A activity should work to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies.