T-Mobile and Sprint decide to stay single

Having swiped right on each other weeks ago T-Mobile US and Sprint have decided they’re just not ready to be tied down to a relationship right now.

Their first date was amazing and they just couldn’t believe how well they got on. Sprint was especially keen to take things to the next level but TMUS said it’s not that kind of operator and insisted they get to know each other better before ‘sealing the deal’.

A number of subsequent nights out ensued, each culminating in Sprint begging to be let into TMUS’s flat ‘for a night-cap’. TMUS stood firm, however, insisting that was as far as Sprint was going to get until it made a stronger commitment. But Sprint just wanted too much in return and even one last-ditch dinner wasn’t enough to reconcile their differences, so they decided to go their separate ways.

“The prospect of combining with Sprint has been compelling for a variety of reasons, including the potential to create significant benefits for consumers and value for shareholders,” said a coquettish John Legere, CEO of TMUS. “However, we have been clear all along that a deal with anyone will have to result in superior long-term value for T-Mobile’s shareholders compared to our outstanding stand-alone performance and track record.

“Going forward, T-Mobile will continue disrupting this industry and bringing our proven Un-carrier strategy to more customers and new categories – ultimately redefining the mobile Internet as we know it. We’ve been out-growing this industry for the last 15 quarters, delivering outstanding value for shareholders, and driving significant change across wireless. We won’t stop now.”

“While we couldn’t reach an agreement to combine our companies, we certainly recognize the benefits of scale through a potential combination,” said a defiant Marcelo Claure, CEO of Sprint.  “However, we have agreed that it is best to move forward on our own. We know we have significant assets, including our rich spectrum holdings, and are accelerating significant investments in our network to ensure our continued growth.

“As convergence in the connectivity marketplace continues, we believe significant opportunities exist to establish strong partnerships across multiple industries. We are determined to continue our efforts to change the wireless industry and compete fiercely. We look forward to continuing to take the fight to the duopoly and newly emerging competitors.”

While Legere is apparently happy to stay single for the time being, Claure seems pretty determined to get back in the game ASAP. Sprint towers is said to be ringing with sound of feverish right-swiping as Claure looks to ‘establish some strong partnerships’ with as many random partners as possible. While Legere accepts that he was unable to satisfy his needs, he’s thought to be hurt by the speed with which Claure moved on, as if their courtship never happened.