As previously reported, the two mobile operator T-Mobile and Sprint combined. The merger of the management companies are planning to issue in early 2019. What it gives the ordinary American?
First, in the U.S. market more actively and will begin to introduce the fifth generation (5G) of ultrafast mobile communication, which is to replace the existing 4G networks. Association of the companies, as I hope their leaders will give the opportunity to get much more funds for such investments.
Secondly, there will be thousands of new jobs, because companies will have to create all the necessary infrastructure for 5G network, especially in rural areas. During the implementation of 4G in America was created millions of additional jobs and GDP, the US receive billions of dollars. In the case of 5G – the stakes are much higher. As noted by CEO of Sprint , Marcelo Clare, «the difference between 4G and 5G roughly the same as between black and white and color TV».
According to research by Consumer Reports, in which he was held among his 119 772 subscribers in recent years in the us market the most popular small suppliers cellular — Consumer Cellular, Google Project Fi and Ting. If we talk about the 4 largest operators (by subscribers) — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint, the leadership at Verizon (116 million subscribers), followed by AT&T with 93 million subscribers. After the merger, «reinforced» T-Mobile will be able to get ahead.
According to CEO T-Mobile John Ledger, the new company «will create a good competition in the field of communications that will lead to a reduction in the cost of services».
But analysts and experts in the field think differently: reducing the number of competing operators can lead to higher prices for all services.
Tom Wheeler, who was Chairman of the Federal communications Commission United States (Federal Communications Commission — FCC) in the period from November 2013 until the end of the Obama administration, categorically spoke out against the merger of T-Mobile and Sprint in 2014. The years have not changed his opinion. As noted by Wheeler in conversation with Consumer Reports «I still don’t see how the consumers will benefit. It is easy to understand how these benefit the company, but this should not be the standard for the FCC».
