Sprint and T-Mobile Play the Waiting Game

The slow progress in the long-rumored marriage of Sprint and T-Mobile US is in part tied to the public nature of the deal. With all the details out, there isn't as much pressure to make an announcement.

The biggest threat to the transaction rests among regulators in Washington who are opposed to fewer wireless competitors in the market. Deutsche Telekom is especially cautious after being rebuffed in 2011, when regulators blocked AT&T's attempted purchase of the T-Mobile. As a result, the companies are taking their time to put together bullet-proof business and network plans to try to address regulator's concerns. Revisions have been needed, too, because Sprint's network is showing improvement faster than initially expected.