T-Mobile-Sprint Merger: What It Means for You

Although T-Mobile and Sprint still have one last hurdle to clear (the California Public Utilities Commission, which is still reviewing the merger), the companies will try to close the deal as early as April 1, creating a supersize carrier (called, wait for it, T-Mobile) with more than 100 million customers. When (or if) the deal closes, T-Mobile customers will remain with the service. It is unclear what, if anything, will change for them. For Sprint customers, it’s a little more complicated. The majority will transfer to T-Mobile plans as the brand is absorbed. But users of Sprint’s prepaid brands, including Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Sprint prepaid, will become customers of Dish Network, a satellite TV company based in Colorado. The companies promise 1) no price increases for three years and 2) wider, better services and an accelerated rollout of 5G. 

Those looking to leave the new T-Mobile will be left with two main choices: AT&T or Verizon. When those carriers have one fewer competitor, they may raise prices, too.