All options open?

[EdwardP]

Here is a link to an AP story from today which mentions the results.

In the same article, the CEO of DT, when asked about the future of T-Mobile USA, was quoted as saying he was keeping "all options open".

T-Mobile USA still appears to be the biggest money-maker they have. Again I ask, why would they even consider selling it?

[Matt]

It's the exact same words they have used every quarter for almost three years, back when Ricke first became CEO in late 2002 replacing Sommer. Those words don't mean anything except for what he hasn't said, which is saying they are not selling. In any event, who would be the buyer? Only Voda could probably do it out of those parties who might be interested.

[EdwardP]

Vodafone already indicated when asked about it.

(Patiently awaiting the voicemail upgrade...)

[Matt]

True.

See my VM update - you are on deck!

[EdwardP]

No voicemail/SMS msg re VM was received today (so far), had the phone on all day too.

[Matt]

You won't get anything pushed to you. It will only be a recording (one time only) at your voicemail box. Plus, the info I have says it doesn't happen until tomorrow - 13th.

[EdwardP]

OK, I'll report what happens tomorrow (if anything) in the VM thread.

[EdwardP]

To get the thread back on topic...

Some articles online indicated T-Mobile USA does not currently have a 3G network in the U.S. and that DT was going to decide whether to spend the money on one. (I hope they do, and also keep T-Mobile USA.)

Isn't EDGE or HSDPA, 3G? I started a thread about T-Mobile USA HSDPA recently.

Since there apparently would not be any buyers, as Vodafone is already on record as not interested, then DT would likely have to spend the money to upgrade the network.

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by EdwardP

To get the thread back on topic...

Some articles online indicated T-Mobile USA does not currently have a 3G network in the U.S. and that DT was going to decide whether to spend the money on one. (I hope they do, and also keep T-Mobile USA.)

Isn't EDGE or HSDPA, 3G? I started a thread about T-Mobile USA HSDPA recently.

Since there apparently would not be any buyers, as Vodafone is already on record as not interested, then DT would likely have to spend the money to upgrade the network.

And being the US is there 2nd largest new add market after Germany I can't see them selling, maybe buying someone like Suncom, but I don't think they would sell the US market.

I guess by this statement Ricke said the company will decide by the end of 2005 how it will proceed with a 3G network, either bidding alone or gathering partners for a joint bid to operate one.
could be interesting, I wonder if Cingular would be there 1st option to work with, since working with the regional carriers 1st could be a bigger task, or if bidding is the better option..

[Matt]

Originally Posted by EdwardP

Isn't EDGE or HSDPA, 3G? I started a thread about T-Mobile USA HSDPA recently.

EDGE is technically 3G, but most people are referring to UMTS. The 3nd phase of UMTS - HSDPA is what TM is saying they will deploy in 2007, after they buy licenses in 2006. We'll see....

[EdwardP]

Originally Posted by Matt

EDGE is technically 3G, but most people are referring to UMTS. The 3nd phase of UMTS - HSDPA is what TM is saying they will deploy in 2007, after they buy licenses in 2006. We'll see....

Then wouldn't the article about the HSDPA deployment, be an indication that DT is not selling T-Mobile USA?

It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out:

If they are planning to spend the money to acquire licenses and upgrades, then it sounds like they aren't selling TM USA...

[Matt]

Well, plans can change. The only thing DT has committed to (They say) is 2 B EUR in 2005 for spectrum (That's about $2.6B US I think). They've spent about $250M on Auction 35 back in January. Most of the rumors come from the fact that TM is now a small #4 on a national scale (although with nearly 20M subscribers they aren't exactly small) and that Ricke refuses to rule out a TM USA sale. I would imagine rumors will persist until DT buys the spectrum for UMTS in the US next year.