T-Mobile US Closes Sprint Merger

The biggest shakeup to hit the U.S. wireless market in at least 15 years is now upon us. Following a nearly two-year battle, with many ups and downs, T-Mobile US and Sprint have officially merged, the companies announced today. One hurdle, a ruling from the California Public Utilities Commission, remains, but a proposed approval with conditions has already been issued and the CPUC’s commissioners are expected to vote on that proposal later this month.  The culmination of the deal also means that T-Mobile US’ post-merger executive shuffling is underway. John Legere, a combative and often snarky showman credited with turning around T-Mobile’s fortunes, has left the position of CEO and has been replaced by Mike Sievert, who previously served as president and COO, effective immediately. The U.S. mobile industry hasn’t experienced a shock of this magnitude since AT&T’s failed attempt to take over T-Mobile in 2011. That effort, to some extent, put this outcome in motion as T-Mobile continued to gain market share and improved its network performance as Sprint’s prospects declined precipitously.