So, whether you wanted it to or not, the AT&T/T-Mobile acquisition is over for now and T-Mobile will continue to be the small scrappy guy everyone loves, with a huge Android portfolio, innovative technology and small competitive price planning. In the aftermath, it appears that Deutsche Telekom has made out on the deal thanks to the break-up agreement that was set in place. DT will most likely use the earnings to pay off any excess debt. So, what does this mean for U.S’s Magenta? Both AT&T and T-Mobile have settled on a 7-year roaming agreement allowing T-Mo customers to freely roam on AT&T’s UMTS network. Apparently, T-Mobile has been working on a few devices capable of running several of these frequencies.
And according to DT, the deal will expand Magenta’s coverage by about 50 million subscribers (230 to 280 million). Hey, at this point, T-Mo will take what they can get. Here’s what T-Mobile’s Chief Operations Officer, Jim Alling had to say when the company released an official statement on their blog:
Dear T-Mobile Customers:
By now I am sure you have seen media reports that AT&T and Deutsche Telekom (DT) have mutually decided to terminate their agreement for AT&T to acquire T-Mobile USA. This announcement effectively ends the acquisition process launched March 20.
What does this mean for T-Mobile USA customers? Our focus is unchanged: make the latest mobile products and services affordable for everyone.
And there are many reasons to choose T-Mobile as your wireless provider:
Great Value. We’re offering our best plan ever – 2 lines for $49.99 each that includes voice, text and data (including 2GB at full-speed) on each line with a new 2-year agreement. We also now offer a Monthly4G no annual contract plan that gives you unlimited talk, text, and web (including 100MB at full-speed) for $50.
Compelling Products. We offer a great line-up of 4G smartphones. We continue to rapidly expand our selection of amazing and affordable 4G smartphones, tablets and other devices that make mobile internet service easy and affordable. This holiday, we have cutting edge smartphones including the 42 Mbps-capable HTC Amaze 4G and the Samsung Galaxy S II. In January, we will begin selling the Lumia 710, the first Windows Phone from Nokia for as low as $49.99 after mail-in rebate with a 2-year agreement on a qualifying plan.
America’s Largest 4G Network – now faster than ever. Whether you need driving instructions that are fast enough to keep up with your car, or want to stream a full-length movie uninterrupted, our 4G network delivers. We have expanded our 4G coverage to more than 200 million people in 208 markets and doubled speeds for nearly 180 million Americans in 163 markets.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, we appreciate your business and we will continue to focus on earning your loyalty every day.Regards,
Jim Alling
Chief Operations Officer
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
So, for now, the scrappy guy, that is T-Mobile, will remain the same and move forward as planned. Only time will tell what the company has in store.
The ever opposing Sprint also chimed in when the decision to squash the deal was made as we knew they would. Here’s what Vonya B. McCann, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Sprint had to say:
Earlier today, AT&T terminated its definitive merger agreement with Deutsche Telekom to acquire T-Mobile USA. This is the right decision for consumers, competition and innovation in the wireless industry.From the beginning, Sprint has stood with consumers who spoke loudly and clearly that AT&T’s proposed takeover of T-Mobile would create an undeniable duopoly that would have resulted in higher prices, less innovation and fewer choices for the American consumer.
Sprint commends the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission and the bi-partisan group of state attorneys general who gave voice to the concerns of consumers across the country. We look forward to competing fiercely in the robust, competitive market that exists today and continuing to deliver the world class service and products that consumers have come to expect from Sprint.
[via Android And Me]