DT CEO: T-Mobile won't need DT's help to purchase extra spectrum

Deutsche Telekom CEO Timotheus Hoettges said that T-Mobile US can fund purchases of spectrum in upcoming US auctions by itself, taking pressure off the parent to inject funds into T-Mobile as it invests to beef up its network.

Hoettges said he is confident the US business would be able to buy spectrum by issuing new shares or bonds itself. "We consistently follow our strategy of de-risking, self-funding," he said. "I am convinced that T-Mobile US will continue to be a source of great satisfaction for us." Analysts at credit rating agency Fitch estimate that T-Mobile may have to spend at least $7 billion on spectrum in the coming years. T-Mobile is likely to bid on spectrum during this year's AWS-3 FCC spectrum auction and in the 600 MHz incentive auction of broadcast TV airwaves, scheduled for early 2016.