SoftBank will combine with Sprint to become one of the world’s largest carriers.
SoftBank, Japan’s third-largest carrier, has this morning announced that it will acquire Sprint in a deal worth $20.1 billion. The company will purchase $8 billion in newly-issues shares from Sprint, in addition to $12.1 billion in existing shares — giving it a 70% stake overall.
SoftBank sees Sprint deal as the fastest route into the U.S.
Japan’s third-largest carrier is reportedly in talks to buy control of Sprint, according to two people familiar with the matter. SoftBank wants to snap up two-thirds of the company with a stake worth “more than” 1.5 trillion yen ($19 billion), and it’s also eyeing Sprint’s partner, Clearwire, too.
Sometimes 10-digits can be a few too many numbers to remember or too boring to want to remember. That’s why Sprint has decided to spice up your phone number with its new StarStar Me service. Forget those boring digits and have people call you using a unique name or handle. Perhaps all your friends know you as the baconater and you want to keep it that way. Simply sign up for the number **baconater and allow anyone with an iPhone or Android-powered smartphones to call you by dialing **baconater.
We knew it was going to happen, but now we have official confirmation from Samsung. The Galaxy Note II will be available on all of the major U.S. carriers starting sometime mid-November. Samsung has given itself a huge advantage by adopting a multi-carrier approach and I applaud them for that. It opens the door for a wider customer adoption and will certainly result in more sales (just look at the Galaxy S III).
If you’re looking to switch carriers or sign up for a new mobile plan, you’re going to want to check out this next offer from Amazon Wireless. Any new customer signing up on either AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint, can pick themselves out a brand new 16GB Samsung Galaxy S III for $99. All you have to do is choose a carrier and color and you’ll be on your way to owning the best available Android smartphone at the lowest available price.
