Sprint and Clearwire defend merger against AT&T’s objections

With Sprint (NYSE: S) struggling to turnaround their business and working hard to bring their high-speed WiMAX-based XOHM wireless data network online, some big-dogs in the wireless industry are opposing the Sprint and Clearwire merger deal currently under consideration by the Feds. AT&T (NYSE: T) has voiced their opposition to the merger, claiming that both companies were misrepresenting their spectrum holdings and that the deal should be further scrutinized. Color us not surprised.

AT&T’s move to block the Sprint-Clearwire deal can be construed as an effort to choke off one of Sprint’s last remaining hopes for a comeback in the US wireless market. Without Clearwire, Sprint’s XOHM network will probably never see the light of day, so it makes sense that AT&T wants to block the merger. Futhermore, the Rural Cellular Association wants to see stipulations that would have roaming guarantees, and Vonage wants to see the merged companies offering separate voice and internet services.

For their part, Sprint and Clearwire say that any new regulations and stipulations could hinder the new entity’s ability to compete against entrenched telecom giants like AT&T.

Aside from the few that oppose the deal, there are 100 other companies rallying behind the Sprint-Clearwire merger. And, the Sprint and Clearwire duo argue that, through the merger, Clearwire will “become a new, viable broadband competitor, offering consumers greater choice in service providers, broadband technology, and innovative services and applications.”

If Sprint and Clearwire can manage to fend off these strategic attacks on their merger, we’ll likely see the deal go through by the end of 2008. That will hopefully lead to a nationwide WiMAX network launch by late 2008 or early 2009.

[Via: MocoNews]