The Federal Communications Commission officially approved the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, even as a legal challenge by some states continues to loom over the deal.

B&C reports that the agency issued the text of its decision in a Memorandum Opinion and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Order of Proposed Modification.

“The FCC modified some build-out requirements on Dish spectrum as part of the spin-off of the merged company’s Boost Mobile prepaid operations to the satellite operator,” B&C reports, adding: “The FCC had already voted last month to approve the deal 3-2 along party lines, with the Republican majority finding that the merger ‘will help close the digital divide and advance United States leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity.'”

The vote became official upon the release of the decision today.

“But even though the FCC and Justice have both signed off on the deal, the merger won’t close until at least next month at the earliest,” B&C adds. “The companies have pledged not to consummate the merger until the resolution of a legal challenge to the deal by a number of states.”