UPDATE: Imminent T-Mobile (TMUS) Sale Unlikely - Deutsche Telekom CEO (S)

March 5, 2014 3:55 PM EST
(Updated - March 5, 2014 5:00 PM EST)

(Updated - March 5, 2014 4:04 PM EST)

Sprint (NYSE: S) acquiring T-Mobile US (NYSE: TMUS) is unlikely in the near term, Deutsche Telekom (OTCBB: DTEGY) CEO, Timotheus Hoettges, told its board of directors today.

Bloomberg reported that delays are closely tied to regulatory issues. T-Mobile is open to alternatives excluding Softbank/Sprint, though that deal remains the preferred option.

Another option might be disposal of some of T-Mobile's shares once its lock-up expires next November, though that would mean missing out on some premium in a straight sale.

Hoettges is also taking a long-term view on the U.S. market, which includes focusing on newly-acquired customers and driving more profit from T-Mobile's pay-as-you-go subs.

Should a deal not be on the table, Hoettges will argue with regulators that smaller carriers in the U.S. should be able to acquire more spectrum in the government's next auctions.

Deutsche Telekom will report its quarterly and annual results tomorrow. T-Mobile ended Wednesday's session up a modest 0.1 percent.


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