Sprint Says It Really, Really Doesn’t Like ATT-T-Mobile Deal

I thought Sprint was already pretty clear on where it stood with regard to AT&T’s planned purchase of T-Mobile. But in case anyone was confused, it is opposed to the $39 billion deal.

The company, which had already expressed concerns, made its opposition formal in a statement on Monday, adding that it will work to fight the deal.

“Sprint urges the United States government to block this anti-competitive acquisition,” Sprint Senior Vice President Vonya McCann said in a statement. “This transaction will harm consumers and harm competition at a time when this country can least afford it. So on behalf of our customers, our industry and our country, Sprint will fight this attempt by AT&T to undo the progress of the past 25 years and create a new Ma Bell duopoly.”

Sprint’s comments about doing it for the country appear to fight AT&T’s own effort to wrap itself in the flag as it seeks approval for the deal.

AT&T, for its part, reiterated its arguments for the deal.

“The U.S. wireless market is intensely competitive with five or more
competitors in 18 of the top 20 markets,” it said. “The AT&T/T-Mobile merger will
improve quality for consumers, provide a near-term solution to impending
spectrum exhaust in some markets, and expand the availability of LTE to
95% of Americans, spurring innovation and economic growth.”

I’m sure this won’t be the last time we hear those same arguments from each side.