Key GOP senator: There are "synergies" in T-Mobile's Sprint deal

What he's saying:

• "Well, there are certainly some synergies in that particular merger that I think make it make sense for those companies," he said, when asked about the deal.
• But he also said that it's "always nice to have more competitors" when asked about the importance of competition as advanced wireless technology rolls out.

The big picture: The deal, which would reduce the number of national wireless providers from four to three, has drawn criticism from public interest advocates, some of its competitors and lawmakers.

• The companies, meanwhile, have crafted a lobbying campaign arguing that the deal will help them compete on fifth generation wireless with the larger AT&T and Verizon.