The US wireless industry just saw a major shakeup with the announcement of T-Mobile`s buyout of Sprint. The long-awaited merger, which has now been approved by both the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to create a new mega-provider with a market capitalization of over $146 billion.
If you`re a current Sprint customer, you may be wondering what this means for your contract. Will you need to switch over to T-Mobile? Will your plan stay the same? Here`s what you need to know.
First and foremost, it`s important to note that the merger will not happen overnight. In fact, T-Mobile and Sprint have said that it could take up to three years to fully integrate the two companies. During this time, both brands will continue to operate separately. This means that if you`re a Sprint customer with a contract, you can continue to use your plan as usual.
However, once the integration is complete, it`s likely that some changes will occur. T-Mobile have stated that they plan to offer “the best of both networks” to customers, which could mean added benefits for Sprint users. For example, T-Mobile has a larger network than Sprint, so Sprint customers may gain access to more coverage areas. T-Mobile also offers a wider range of plans, so Sprint customers may have more options to choose from in the future.
Of course, there are also some potential downsides to the merger. T-Mobile and Sprint have both been known for their budget-friendly plans, and some industry experts worry that the consolidation could lead to higher prices for consumers. However, T-Mobile CEO John Legere has promised that prices won`t go up for at least three years after the merger is completed.
What can you do if you`re a Sprint customer who`s unhappy with the merger? The good news is that you do have options. If you`re in the middle of a contract and want to switch to T-Mobile, you may be able to do so without penalty. T-Mobile has said that they will honor existing Sprint contracts, but they will also offer incentives for customers to switch over to their network.
Alternatively, you may decide to switch to a different provider altogether. Many other wireless carriers offer competitive plans and coverage, so it`s worth shopping around to see what`s available in your area.
Overall, the T-Mobile buyout of Sprint is big news for the wireless industry. While there are still some unknowns about how the merger will impact customers, it`s clear that both companies are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible. As a Sprint customer, you can continue to use your plan as usual for now, but it`s worth keeping an eye on developments in the coming months and years.