What If Apple Used Their Cash To Buy T-Mobile Or Sprint?

A nice thought by former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassée, but not gonna happen.

Even if Apple was able to pass regulatory scrutiny for this (they’d argue that they’d still work with Verizon and AT&T and that Android is closer to a monopoly), such an undertaking would undoubtedly be a massive headache for Apple just from a logistics perspective. 

Could they offer a better service than any other carrier right now? Of course. But that isn’t saying much. In fact, it’s saying next to nothing — that’s why this is such a nice thought.

But as a carrier, Apple would have to worry about things like upgrading networks, getting local governments to approve towers, even more customer service, etc. It would be a huge distraction from the core business: selling devices.

Gassée also hits on a key point at the end: sure Apple could buy someone like T-Mobile or Sprint in the U.S. market, but the greater opportunity is worldwide. Such a buy here would mean nothing for the larger pie.

Having said all of that, I would not be surprised at all if Google eventually tries to buy a carrier. They also shouldn’t, and would face an even rougher time from a regulatory perspective. But Google wants to do everything. So they’ll try someday, I imagine.  

59 Notes/ Hide

  1. ronenreblogs reblogged this from parislemon and added:
    parislemon, August 14th.
  2. news-goat reblogged this from bananacasts and added:
    I have no doubt Apple could do that, but I don’t think they will. Bypassing the carriers means selling unsubsidized...
  3. bananacasts reblogged this from parislemon and added:
    buying one network in one country...unreasonable proposition, moreso if
  4. marknewtech reblogged this from parislemon
  5. xklusiv reblogged this from parislemon
  6. mietekmac reblogged this from parislemon
  7. leochen reblogged this from parislemon
  8. clearwatergal reblogged this from staceysoleil and added:
    It’s interesting how far Apple’s come - anything’s poss ble parislemon:
  9. staceysoleil reblogged this from parislemon
  10. margauxdiary reblogged this from parislemon
  11. originalllydope reblogged this from parislemon
  12. sammiepapayawritesagain reblogged this from parislemon
  13. themonfreres reblogged this from parislemon
  14. parislemon posted this