T-Mobile owns Sprint, as they officially merged in 2020 in a $26 billion deal, which was initially announced in 2018. T-Mobile is primarily owned by Deutsche Telekom AG, which holds a 51.9% stake in the company. Another major institutional investor is SoftBank, with a 4.9% ownership stake. Top individual investors comprise former CEO Marcelo Claure and other executives like Beville Ray and Michael Sievert.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Company | Sprint Corporation (now part of T-Mobile US, Inc.) |
| Ownership Structure | Wholly owned subsidiary of T-Mobile US, Inc. |
| Parent Company | T-Mobile US, Inc. (which is majority-owned by Deutsche Telekom AG) |
| Merger Completion Date | April 1, 2020 |
| Founding Date | 1899 (as Brown Telephone Company, later became Sprint) |
| Founders | Cleyson Brown and Jacob Brown |
| Headquarters | Overland Park, Kansas, USA (Sprint’s original headquarters); Bellevue, Washington, USA (T-Mobile US headquarters) |
| Primary Business | Providing wireless telecommunications services |
| Strategic Goals | Integrating Sprint’s network and assets with T-Mobile, expanding 5G network coverage, and enhancing customer experience |
Additional Ownership Details
- T-Mobile US Structure: Sprint merged with T-Mobile US, Inc. on April 1, 2020. Following the merger, Sprint ceased to exist as a separate entity and became part of T-Mobile. T-Mobile US is majority-owned by Deutsche Telekom AG, a German telecommunications company.
- Public Trading: T-Mobile US is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol TMUS, with ownership distributed among institutional and individual shareholders. Deutsche Telekom AG holds a controlling stake.
- Corporate Strategy: Post-merger, the combined entity focuses on leveraging Sprint’s spectrum and network assets to enhance T-Mobile’s 5G network capabilities, improve service quality, and expand market presence in the competitive telecommunications industry.
- Brand Integration: The Sprint brand has been phased out, and its operations have been integrated under the T-Mobile brand. The strategic goals include unifying the customer base, optimizing network performance, and continuing to innovate in wireless services.
| Aspect | Description | Analysis | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products and Services | Sprint Corporation was a telecommunications company that offered a range of wireless communication services, including mobile phone plans, mobile devices, data plans, and mobile broadband services. Sprint provided wireless voice, text, and data services to individual consumers, businesses, and government agencies. The company also operated a network infrastructure to support these services. Sprint merged with T-Mobile in April 2020 to form T-Mobile US, Inc. | Sprint’s primary products and services were wireless communication services, mobile phone plans, devices, and data plans. The company catered to individual consumers, businesses, and government agencies, offering a broad range of wireless voice, text, and data services. The network infrastructure was essential for service delivery. The merger with T-Mobile expanded the company’s capabilities. | Wireless communication services, mobile phone plans, mobile devices, data plans, mobile broadband services, network infrastructure, services for individual consumers, businesses, and government agencies. |
| Revenue Streams | Sprint generated revenue primarily through monthly mobile phone plan subscriptions, data plan subscriptions, mobile device sales, and related service fees. The company also earned income from government contracts for telecommunications services. Roaming fees and international service charges contributed to revenue. | Revenue from mobile phone plan subscriptions and data plans was the main income source, driven by individual consumers, businesses, and government agencies. Mobile device sales provided additional revenue. Government contracts for telecommunications services represented an important segment. Roaming fees and international service charges added to earnings. | Revenue from mobile phone plan subscriptions, data plan subscriptions, mobile device sales, service fees, government contracts for telecommunications services, roaming fees, international service charges. |
| Customer Segments | Sprint served a diverse customer base, including individual consumers, families, small and large businesses, and government agencies at various levels. The company’s services catered to customers seeking wireless communication solutions, mobile phone plans, and data services. | Sprint’s target demographic encompassed individual consumers, families, small and large businesses, and government agencies seeking wireless communication solutions. The company offered a range of plans and services to cater to diverse customer needs, from mobile phone plans to data services. | Individual consumers, families, small businesses, large businesses, government agencies at various levels, customers seeking wireless communication solutions, mobile phone plans, data services. |
| Distribution Channels | Sprint distributed its products and services through various channels, including its own retail stores and authorized dealer locations. The company also offered online sales and customer support through its official website. Additionally, Sprint products and services were available through third-party retailers and online marketplaces. | Sprint’s retail stores and authorized dealers provided physical access to products and support. The official website offered an online platform for sales and inquiries. Third-party retailers and online marketplaces extended market reach and accessibility. | Distribution through Sprint’s retail stores and authorized dealers, the official Sprint website (sprint.com) for online sales and inquiries, third-party retailers, and online marketplaces. |
| Key Partnerships | Sprint formed partnerships with mobile device manufacturers to offer a variety of smartphones and devices to its customers. The company also partnered with businesses and government agencies to provide customized wireless communication solutions and telecommunications services. Additionally, Sprint collaborated with technology companies for network infrastructure and advancements. | Collaborations with mobile device manufacturers ensured a diverse product portfolio. Partnerships with businesses and government agencies provided tailored solutions and contracts. Collaborations with technology companies supported network infrastructure and technological advancements. | Collaborations with mobile device manufacturers (e.g., Apple, Samsung), partnerships with businesses and government agencies for customized solutions and contracts, collaborations with technology companies for network infrastructure and technological advancements. |
| Key Resources | Sprint’s key resources included its wireless communication network infrastructure, a wide range of mobile devices, mobile phone plans and data plans, a diverse customer base, retail stores and authorized dealer locations, the official website, a strong brand identity, government contracts, technology partnerships, and a focus on network reliability and innovation. | The wireless communication network infrastructure was a critical resource, enabling service delivery. A diverse range of mobile devices provided choices for customers. Mobile phone plans and data plans were core offerings. Retail stores and authorized dealer locations offered physical access. The official website facilitated online sales and support. A strong brand identity built trust. Government contracts represented a significant segment. Technology partnerships supported infrastructure and innovation. A focus on network reliability and innovation ensured service quality. | Wireless communication network infrastructure, mobile devices, mobile phone plans, data plans, a diverse customer base, retail stores and authorized dealer locations, the official Sprint website, strong brand identity, government contracts, technology partnerships, focus on network reliability and innovation. |
| Cost Structure | Sprint incurred costs related to maintaining and expanding its wireless communication network infrastructure, including infrastructure development, maintenance, and upgrades. Investment in marketing and advertising campaigns promoted the brand and services. Employee salaries, including sales representatives and customer support teams, represented a significant expense. The cost of mobile devices and subsidies for customer acquisitions contributed to costs. Additionally, investments in technology and network innovation required resources. | Costs related to network infrastructure encompassed development, maintenance, and upgrades for service quality. Marketing and advertising campaigns built brand visibility. Employee salaries, including sales representatives and support teams, were a substantial expense. Costs related to mobile devices included procurement and subsidies. Investments in technology and network innovation drove advancements. | Costs related to network infrastructure (e.g., development, maintenance, upgrades), marketing and advertising campaigns (e.g., Sprint advertising), employee salaries (e.g., sales representatives, support teams), costs related to mobile devices (e.g., procurement, subsidies), investments in technology and network innovation. |
| Competitive Advantage | Sprint’s competitive advantage lay in its wireless communication network infrastructure, a diverse range of mobile devices, customized solutions for businesses and government agencies, partnerships with technology companies, and a focus on network reliability and innovation. The company’s extensive network coverage and service quality were key selling points. Customized solutions added value to enterprise customers. Collaborations supported technological advancements. | The wireless communication network infrastructure and extensive coverage were significant advantages. A diverse range of mobile devices catered to customer preferences. Customized solutions for businesses and government agencies created a competitive edge. Collaborations with technology companies drove technological advancements. A focus on network reliability and innovation enhanced service quality. | Sprint’s wireless communication network infrastructure, extensive coverage, diverse range of mobile devices, customized solutions for businesses and government agencies, partnerships with technology companies, focus on network reliability and innovation. |
| Value Proposition | Sprint offered customers a value proposition centered on reliable wireless communication, a variety of mobile devices, mobile phone plans, and data services. The brand provided customized solutions for businesses and government agencies, addressing specific needs. Partnerships with technology companies ensured access to advanced features. | Sprint’s value proposition revolved around reliable wireless communication, a wide selection of mobile devices, mobile phone plans, and data services. Customized solutions for businesses and government agencies addressed unique requirements. Collaborations with technology companies offered access to advanced features and innovations. | Reliable wireless communication, variety of mobile devices, mobile phone plans, data services, customized solutions for businesses and government agencies, access to advanced features and innovations through technology partnerships. |
Key Highlights
- T-Mobile and Sprint Merger:
- The merger between T-Mobile and Sprint was a significant event in the telecommunications industry. It marked the combination of two major wireless carriers in the United States.
- The merger was announced in April 2018, but it faced regulatory scrutiny and challenges. It was subject to approval from various regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- The primary motivation behind the merger was to create a stronger competitor in the wireless market by combining the resources and networks of both companies.
- After gaining regulatory approval and overcoming legal challenges, T-Mobile and Sprint officially completed their merger on April 1, 2020. This resulted in the creation of a new entity with T-Mobile as the surviving brand.
- Ownership of T-Mobile:
- Deutsche Telekom AG, a German telecommunications company, is the majority owner of T-Mobile. Deutsche Telekom had acquired a stake in T-Mobile USA before the merger and continued to be a key player in the combined entity.
- As of the provided information, Deutsche Telekom holds a 51.9% stake in T-Mobile. This controlling stake gives Deutsche Telekom significant influence over T-Mobile’s strategic decisions and operations.
- Institutional Investors:
- SoftBank, a multinational conglomerate based in Japan, is a significant institutional investor in T-Mobile. SoftBank’s investment in T-Mobile provides it with a stake in the company’s performance and growth prospects.
- The 4.9% ownership stake held by SoftBank indicates its interest in the success of T-Mobile and its potential to benefit from the combined entity’s activities.
- Top Individual Investors:
- Marcelo Claure, the former CEO of Sprint, is mentioned as one of the top individual investors in T-Mobile. Claure’s involvement in the merger and his continued investment in the combined company highlight his commitment to its success.
- Other executives like Beville Ray and Michael Sievert are also noted as holding significant stakes in T-Mobile. These individuals likely played integral roles in the merger process and the subsequent management of the merged company.
Overall, the T-Mobile and Sprint merger was a transformative event in the telecommunications industry, reshaping the landscape of wireless carriers in the United States.
The ownership structure involving Deutsche Telekom, institutional investors like SoftBank, and key individual investors underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and leadership in the success of T-Mobile as a combined entity.
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