One might think that AT&T was expecting Sprint to file suit against their plan to buy T-Mobile based upon the speed of the response. With a very aggressive style and stance, AT&T had choice words for their competitors and the attempt to block the formation of a super-cell-provider:
This simply demonstrates what we’ve said all along – Sprint is more interested in protecting itself than it is in promoting competition that benefits consumers. We of course will vigorously contest this matter in court as AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile USA will: help solve our nation’s spectrum exhaust situation and improve wireless service for millions; allow AT&T to expand 4G LTE mobile broadband to another 55 million Americans, or 97% of the population; and result in billions of additional investment and tens of thousands of jobs, at a time when our nation needs them most.
AT&T has enough to worry about with the US Government getting involved. While many believe that the deal will go on once certain provisions and guarantees remain, Sprint is potentially fighting for its life. Apple may be giving them a little hope with the potential for the Sprint iPhone in the very near future, but if the company falls to a distant 3rd once AT&T leapfrogs Verizon, even the iPhone may not be enough to pull in the new subscribers they desperately need.
I’d agree here- Sprint need some serious help. Good article, and it’ll be intriguing to see how sprint and their ecommerce solution will do when they get the iPhone 5. Can’t imagine their ecommerce solution is really ready for that number of sales!