Softbank might just purchase a stake in Sprint

The mobile carrier landscape in the US is definitely changing, what with the most recent merger concerning both T-Mobile and MetroPCS, where the latter’s smartphones will soon be able to take advantage of T-Mobile’s network coverage. Well, Japanese carrier Softbank could play a role in reshaping the US wireless landscape too, with talk that the Japanese giant could very well drop a cool $19 billion thereabouts (according to The Nikkei newspaper) for a major stake in Sprint – we’re talking about as much as 75% here. It does help for Softbank to have such a huge war chest, considering how they are currently the only carrier in Japan that offers the iPhone as an exclusive device.

One thing is for sure though – if the deal between Softbank and Sprint goes through, it will be able to disrupt the wireless industry that is slowly shifting towards a Verizon and AT&T duopoly. Do you think Sprint will end up being a Japanese business concern eventually, or is this just a flash in the pan rumor that was cooked up?

Edwin Kee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: softbank, Sprint