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Look behind you, T-Mobile US: Sprint wants to GOBBLE you – allegedly

It'll need all the protein it can get to take on Verizon, AT&T

Mobile network Sprint is rumored to be considering a bid for rival T-Mobile US.

Such an acquisition, suggested by sources talking to The Wall Street Journal, would further consolidate the already shrinking field of wireless carriers in America.

Should a deal go through, Sprint would become the third player in a national market already largely under the control of mega-carriers Verizon and AT&T. The Journal report notes that regulatory concerns are weighing into Sprint's decision.

Earlier this year Japanese telecoms giant Softbank splashed $21.6bn to acquire Sprint; we can imagine T-Mobile US's price tag being even larger.

T-Mobile US's wireless business has been boosted in recent months by marketing campaigns, a crackdown on premium SMS charges, the elimination of international roaming fees, and new plans that will not require customers to sign multi-year contracts.

Earlier this week, T-Mobile US said it will be among a group of carriers pitching a new set of rules on unlocking devices. The company has also made some major deals of its own, acquiring MetroPCS in 2012 for an estimated $1.5bn cash and stock deal. ®

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