Is the T-Mobile, Sprint merger still on track? Good question. Let’s take a closer look. It’s currently on hold at the FCC level. They have been getting major push-back from a variety of interests. So, what happens if it’s denied? Let’s take a look at what happens next for these two companies if this deal is not approved, and as we move into a 5G world.  

Let’s pull the camera back and take a longer-term perspective on this merger, 5G and the changing industry. It took several years and several attempts. They tried and failed, time and time again. It never even got to the government level. Then, several months ago, T-Mobile and Sprint finally agreed to merge. This is as far as it has ever gone before.  

Think about the wireless industry. The vast majority of market share is split among the top four national carriers, AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint. Over the last several decades, we have seen both AT&T and Verizon carve out the winning position in the competitive race.

T-Mobile and Sprint recovery in wireless

Several years ago, both T-Mobile and Sprint were dying on the vine. Then John Legere joined T-Mobile as their new CEO and started shaking up the company and inflaming the industry.

In recent years, T-Mobile has shown growth. They have done a great job with marketing. Their weakness, lack of spectrum. They don’t have enough wireless data spectrum. That will increasingly pinch their growth potential as the industry continues to move into the coming 5G world.

Sprint was acquired by Softbank with CEO Masayoshi Son. He hired Marcelo Claure to be CEO of Sprint. They tried several different times to stabilize the company and show growth. Sprint had a few good periods with growth, but they still struggle today.