Slim's Asset Sales Has People Wondering What He'll Buy Next

Billionaire Carlos Slim's move to pare his telecom empire in Mexico is raising questions about what his intentions might be north of the border. The company's TracFone unit offers prepaid-mobile service and is the fifth largest US wireless provider, selling service under seven brands, including the Straight Talk brand sold at Wal-Mart Stores.

TracFone continues to grow via a string of acquisitions of small, prepaid carriers and provides Slim with a brand and a US foothold should he choose to expand. The business now rents space on networks from big carriers like AT&T and Sprint. With the continuing consolidation of the US telecom market, it is unclear if Slim would want to take a larger role in the business.