In fact, the primary drivers that made regulators approve the deal are to encourage telecom competition, increase investment in the wireless sector, and boost the combined entity to deploy the 4G LTE infrastructure with wider networks to fight bigger carriers.
A positive review
T-Mobile had earlier mentioned that the whole idea behind acquiring the pay-as-you-go carrier is to build the required strength to fight top players more effectively. It is about benefiting subscribers, enhancing spectrum capacity, and building an efficient network. The regulator is convinced that the tie-up is going to benefit subscribers at large and increase the competitive environment.
The merger would give T-Mobile the much needed weapon to emerge as a stronger player in this virtual duopoly market of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) and AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). The roll out of the national LTE network would greatly improve services offered to the subscribers. The regulators have pointed out some of the positives of the deal, which include the LTE network roll out program, better ‘quality of service’, PCS’ expansion in new markets, and eventually building a solid, fourth-largest national telecom carrier.
The FCC approval is a ‘significant milestone’ as stated by John Legere, Chief Executive of T-Mobile, but this is not all. The dawn is yet to break for the national carrier as another hurdle is on the way.
The final hurdle
While the watchdogs have given a go-ahead to the transaction, two major PCS investors have been critical of the deal. P. Schoenfeld Asset Management and Paulson & Co are working to block the merger, as they believe that Deutsche Telekom is overburdening the combined entity with too much debt, and that too at exorbitant interest rate.
This could turn the table for T-Mobile and PCS at the shareholders vote slated on April 12. Convincing these stakeholders becomes extremely crucial for the PCS, and so, it has requested shareholders to vote for the deal citing the benefits it would give them. In a letter, the Richardson-based carrier has supported the deal, explaining that this is the most suitable strategic move for the carrier and would be rewarding for them.
MetroPCS Communications Inc (NYSE:PCS) reverts
The regional carrier says that the joint entity is of much higher worth compared to the standalone company. In addition, PCS shareholders would profit considerably, as the deal is at 70% to 90% premium. PCS also explained that had T-Mobile not made the acquisition bid, the carrier’s share price would have been 19% down from current level. The $1.5 billion cash payment of the deal triggered the share price to its present levels. PCS has mentioned in the letter that the merged company would be better capitalized, and would be in a better position to combat larger rivals including Verizon, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), and Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S).
It also said that all other arguments put forward by opposing parties are misleading and do not display the true picture. The highly competitive wireless market in the U.S. necessitates the carrier to undertake such strategic steps, which would not only answer its spectrum needs and improve customer offerings, but at the same time maximize shareholders’ return. In the letter, PCS also dismissed allegations regarding huge debt as inaccurate information, stating that the joint entity’s debt terms are sound and not over-leveraged.
