A Newly Single T-Mobile Would Have Choices

Anyone listening to AT&T and Deutsche Telekom's hype in recent months might have concluded T-Mobile USA was struggling to survive. Actually, the most immediate risk for T-Mobile was probably the uncertainty from a lengthy regulatory review of its acquisition by AT&T.

T-Mobile has plenty of alternatives to develop a 4G strategy. It could partner with Sprint, which has embarked on a costly upgrade of its wireless network and has shown itself willing to rent out access to its cell towers to other companies. Alternatively, it could partner with Clearwire, which is 54%-owned by Sprint but somewhat independent and which is building out a separate network entirely. It could even partner with Dish Network, which has valuable wireless spectrum and wants to build a new wireless broadband network -- preferably with a partner. T-Mobile USA won't be lacking for friends should its marriage with AT&T fall apart.