Wall Street firm sees regulatory approval for T-Mobile-Sprint merger by mid-2019

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Wall Street firm sees regulatory approval for T-Mobile-Sprint merger by mid-2019
Analysts at U.S. brokerage house Cowen appear to be bullish on the prospects of the T-Mobile-Sprint merger getting regulatory approval, according to Fierce Wireless. The securities firm expects the required approval from the FCC and DOJ to occur before the middle of next year, which dovetails with the time period that T-Mobile has said that the deal will close by.

T-Mobile's low frequency spectrum combined with Sprint's hoard of high-frequency spectrum was one topic that the analysts covered in a letter to clients. Both carriers combined would have a spectrum portfolio of over 300MHz, larger than the inventory belonging to Verizon and AT&T. The Cowen analysts noted that this would allow the merged wireless provider to "1) deliver data at a competitive cost per bit, 2) expand into new areas including FWBB/OTT (video) and 3) form partnerships with others who want to utilize its network including cable MVNOs."


T-Mobile has also tried to sway regulators with talk that this merger is necessary if the U.S. is to lead the way in 5G, and that the merger will lead to an increase in jobs. While Cowen does feel that the regulators will approve the merger, they add that the combined firm might need to divest some of its pre-paid assets. Sprint owns both Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile while T-Mobile owns Metro by T-Mobile.
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