Verizon-TracFone Deal is Early Test of New FCC Wireless Stance

Verizon Communications Inc.‘s $6 billion bid for TracFone Wireless Inc. gives the Democratic-controlled Federal Communications Commission its first chance to weigh in on wireless industry consolidation.

Agency watchers say the FCC is likely to sign off on the deal, which promises to reshape the budget phone market, with concessions from Verizon to ease concerns about how the acquisition will impact low-income Americans’ connectivity.

Boosting broadband adoption for such households is a top priority for acting agency head Jessica Rosenworcel, who is likely to take a harder line on conditions than her predecessor, Republican Ajit Pai.

“Given all the concern ...