Mergers, joint ventures, IPOs, oh my! Often when we hear the name T-Mobile and any of the aforementioned keywords (i.e. mergers, etc.), we automatically assume "this has got to be a rumor." However, this time around Reuters brings some credibility to the table with quotes from an investors meeting where CEO Robert Dotson spoke.
The most recent rumors we've heard have been of T-Mobile merging with Sprint as well as the possibility of an IPO. However, potential joint ventures seems to be the name of the game today. "We continue to look at JV opportunities for additional spectrum... there are a number of different options we look at, (we) have been talking with cable companies, with Clearwire," said Dotson. When the obvious question about merging with Sprint was brought up, Dotson replied as follows: "What you never want to do is take one company that is going through challenges and take another company going through challenges," and put them together.
In the great race that is the US wireless industry, T-Mobile is running in fourth position. And while they are working tirelessly at standing up their 3G network across the US, they got a late start. Sprint has a leg up on the competition with their WiMax offerings and expected 4G capable phone around the corner, while Verizon is coming up from behind with LTE deployments planned for 25-30 markets by the end of this year. Increasing their spectrum could be a good move for T-Mobile both in terms of expanding their network and their 4G capabilities.
As usual, we'll believe it when we see it, but at least we know they're working on something. So, what do you think about a marriage between T-Mobile and Clear? Leave your thoughts in the comments!