US: Buyout rumors, spectrum grabs, new deals all up wireless competition

The nation’s Big Four wireless rivals are starting to up their competition game as the industry has already seen major developments in 2014. But while the companies fight each other for market share, it’s the customers who are enjoying the benefits.

In recent days, AT&T announced plans to unroll a new way for consumers to use the Internet for free, paid for by data sponsors. Verizon sold some spectrum to T-Mobile, while T-Mobile announced it would pay for early termination fees of any customer who switches from a rival to T-Mobile service. Meanwhile, T-Mobile buyout rumors are still swirling, with Sprint remaining a top possibility to acquire the firm. Sprint also unveiled a new wireless package for families.

It’s all amounted to some major shakeups in an industry characterized as monopolistic and anticompetitive.

Many of the industry news have been unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which is held this week until the 10th.

Full Content: Businessweek

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