AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA is a win for U.S. wireless consumers across the country, providing improved service quality, expanded 4G LTE deployment and the next generation in mobile broadband to mobilize everything.
By combining spectrum and compatible networks, AT&T will be able to significantly expand network capacity and output for improved voice and data service for customers across the U.S. and support fast-climbing customer use of smartphones, tablets, mobile apps and content. This transaction expands network capacity available to customers, which will not only improve service but also ensure continued competitive pricing and innovation in a market where demand is extremely high and growing rapidly. Voice quality is improved the most through the addition of more cell towers. This deal quickly provides the cell towers that otherwise would have taken AT&T multiple years to build in some markets. Simply put, this deal will result in fewer dropped calls.
With added scale, spectrum and resources from the deal, AT&T can commit to extending its 4G LTE build to an additional 46.5 million additional Americans in urban as well as rural and smaller communities – roughly equivalent to the combined populations of the states of New York and Texas. In addition, this transaction will make 4G LTE available to T-Mobile’s 34 million subscribers in the U.S, a win for consumers.
Americans are leading the world in mobile broadband usage today … and we are only in the early stages. This deal will help ensure that customers in the U.S. can continue to get the benefits of mobile broadband now and in the future, and drive the cycle of innovation that makes the U.S. one of the most exciting and technologically dynamic consumer markets in the world.
For additional information, we encourage you to read the answers below to Customers’ Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How will this transaction benefit U.S. wireless consumers?
- AT&T can commit to extending its 4G LTE build to 46.5 million additional people, including rural and smaller communities – roughly equivalent to the combined populations of the states of New York and Texas.
- Expands network capacity and output available to customers, which will not only improve service but ensure continued competitive pricing and innovation. 4G LTE service will be available to T-Mobile’s 34 million subscribers, a win for consumers.
- Expanding AT&T’s 4G LTE network will help the U.S. continue to lead the world in building and benefiting from next-generation mobile broadband capabilities, deploying infrastructure critical to attracting investment, growing America’s economy and creating new jobs.
2. What impact will this transaction have on pricing for wireless customers?
- The U.S. is one of the most competitive wireless markets in the world.
- And this is an enormously efficiency-enhancing merger due to the complementary spectrum, network and operations of both parties.
- From 1999-2009, a period during which there were several sizeable wireless mergers also designed to gain efficiencies and synergies, prices dropped by 50% while services, features and functionality expanded.
3. Will the availability of plans change?
- Until the completion of the transaction, the companies will continue to operate independently. Availability of voice and data plans for AT&T and T-Mobile customers will be up to each company. Once the transaction closes, AT&T expects to share more specific details with its customers.
- In prior transactions, AT&T generally allowed customers to keep their current rate plans for some period of time and allowed them to choose a comparable device at no charge if their device was not compatible with the network.
4. I am a T-Mobile customer. What will change for me?
- This transaction itself will not have any impact on existing customers because until all regulatory approvals are obtained, the companies must continue to operate independently. We anticipate the transaction will take approximately 12 months to close.
- Once the transaction closes, T-Mobile customers will gain access to the benefits of AT&T’s network:
- The nation’s fastest mobile broadband network getting faster with 4G speeds.
- Access to an ever-expanding 4G LTE network
- Broad portfolio of popular devices, including smartphones and tablets
- Expanded free mobile-to-mobile calling (more than 100 million customers)
- Access to 24,000+ Wi-Fi hotspots at no charge as a smartphone customer
5. I am an AT&T customer. What will change for me?
This transaction itself will not have any impact on existing customers because until all regulatory approvals are obtained, the companies must continue to operate independently. We anticipate the transaction will take approximately 12 months to close.
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