T-Mobile and Sprint receive clearance for merger to create the new T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc. and Sprint Corporation announced they have taken an important step toward completing their proposed merger to create the New T-Mobile by entering into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ action moves the merger one step closer to closing, pending other regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions.
The companies also announced agreements with Dish Network Corporation in which the combined T-Mobile and Sprint, as the proposed New T-Mobile, will divest Sprint’s prepaid businesses and Sprint’s 800 MHz spectrum assets to Dish.
Additionally, upon the closing of the divestiture transaction, the companies will provide Dish wireless customers access to the New T-Mobile network for seven years and offer standard transition services arrangements to Dish during a transition period of up to three years.
Dish will also have an option to take on leases for certain cell sites and retail locations that are decommissioned by the New T-Mobile, subject to any assignment restrictions. The transactions with Dish are contingent on the successful closing of T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint among other closing conditions.
“The T-Mobile and Sprint merger we announced last April will create a bigger and bolder competitor than ever before – one that will deliver the most transformative 5G network in the country, lower prices, better quality, unmatched value and thousands of jobs, while unlocking an unprecedented $43 billion (€38 billion) net present value in synergies. We are pleased that our previously announced target synergies, profitability and long-term cash generation have not changed,” said T-Mobile CEO and New T-Mobile CEO John Legere.
“Today marks an incredibly important step forward for the New T-Mobile. We are ready to bring this supercharged Un-carrier to consumers and businesses across the country, and this milestone brings us much closer to making that vision a reality for customers everywhere!” said Legere.
“Our goal was to ensure that the DOJ’s concerns were addressed while enabling us to deliver on every aspect of the synergies we promised to unlock… and we did it. It may have taken longer than expected by some, but today’s results are a win-win for everyone involved. We cannot wait to get to work bringing this pro-consumer, pro-competition New T-Mobile 5G network to U.S. customers from coast to coast!”
“This is an important day for our country and, most important, American consumers and businesses,” said Sprint executive chairman Marcelo Claure. “Today’s clearance from the DOJ, along with our anticipated approval from the FCC, will allow the U.S. to fiercely compete for 5G leadership. We plan to build one of the world’s most advanced 5G networks, which will massively revolutionise the way consumers and businesses use their connected devices to enhance their daily lives. The powerful combination of 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will unleash endless possibilities.”
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