After all that has gone down between AT&T, Deutsche Telekom and the FCC the last few days yet another report is surfacing indicating that AT&T and Deutsche Telekom are considering a network-sharing as a “Plan B.” The report originates from the Wall Street Journal which states that AT&T and DT are considering the creation of a network-sharing joint venture in the event the current deal does fail.
The report cites unnamed individuals familiar with the matter and said that the talks are not advanced and that it was only being considered as a “Plan B” should the deal totally fail. The “Plan B” consideration is notable given that A&T and Deutsche Telekom have so far refused to discuss the possibility of any Plan B option.
The report specifies that such a joint venture would help reduce the spectrum constraints both AT&T and T-Mobile are facing in the coming years. Under the terms of a deal, both companies would receive access to T-Mobile’s spectrum but Deutsche Telekom would maintain its T-Mobile customer base.
The question I’m asking is how does this benefit T-Mobile? What will AT&T pay Deutsche Telekom for use in sharing spectrum? Will that money be used to help T-Mobile fund a path to LTE, secure exclusive handsets and maintain their “business as usual” approach?