Feds block AT&T's merger with T-Mobile: Winners and losers

The Justice Department sues to stop the $39 billion merger. Who benefits, and who gets burned?

AT&T boss Randall Stephenson (left) during a hearing in May regarding the proposed AT&T and T-Mobile merger, which was blocked Wednesday by a DOJ lawsuit.
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit opposing the AT&T and T-Mobile merger, a $39 billion deal that would create the largest cell phone carrier in the country. The government opposes the merger on the grounds that it would "substantially lessen competition." The news sent AT&T stock tumbling, but had others cheering. AT&T maintains that it will press on in court, but many are doubtful the carrier will prevail. Here, a brief guide to the winners and losers:

Sprint

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us