MetroPCS may get AT&T assets if T-Mobile deal clears
updated 09:30 pm EDT, Thu October 20, 2011
AT&T woos buyer for potential divestment markets
AT&T has reportedly established a deal with MetroPCS that will give the latter company top priority to purchase divested assets that may be required to finalize the former's T-Mobile buyout proposal. AT&T is said to have approached a number of potential suitors as government agencies scrutinize the acquisition.
The deal with MetroPCS is said to be worth less than $4 billion, unnamed sources have told Bloomberg. The fifth-largest US carrier reportedly beat Leap Wireless and Dish Network to secure the agreement.
Divested assets are expected to include subscribers and spectrum, however the true scope of the deal is said to be flexible as both parties finalize negotiations. AT&T and MetroPCS are reportedly scheduled to meet with the Justice Department on August 31 to determine the divestment feasibility.
Despite AT&T's anticipatory agreements with other carriers, it remains unclear if such a deal with MetroPCS will be sufficient to prevent government interaction.
