Adding the iPhone didn’t do much for Sprint, likely due to the carrier’s insufficient network and lackluster marketing. However, although it’s still early days, T-Mobile’s “uncarrier” rebranding plus the iPhone seem to be delivering.
Investors are concerned that T-Mobile’s success was due to an iPhone pop similar to Sprint’s short-lived turn in sub growth due to the iPhone. However, we believe T-Mobile’s success should be longer lasting, as Sprint started selling the iPhone at a time when it still had significant network and service issues. Given T-Mobile’s network and uncarrier initiatives, we think it is in a better position to see a longer-lasting effect from the iPhone, especially on churn — Credit Suisse’s Joseph Mastrogiovanni, via Barrons
Now, the other shoe appears ready to drop at T-Mobile. CEO John Legere has let it slip that Apple’s new iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 (Retina?) will soon be available on his network:
What has two thumbs and is excited for October 22? #thisguy http://t.co/gQvJ1a1axD
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) October 16, 2013
By linking to news of the October 22 Apple Event, where it’s widely expected Tim Cook will deliver the thinner, lighter iPad 5 and iPad mini 2, which may or may not include a Retina display, Legere pretty much spells it out.
T-Mobile: The Next Triumph?
Since launching its “uncarrier” plans and marketing, in conjunction with the iPhone, T-Mobile and Legere have been on a tear. Most recently, T-Mobile has announced free, if only 2G, international roaming.
Will the addition of the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 prove decisive in driving T-Mobile subscriber growth? Probably not, but it certainly can’t hurt given how well things are going…
What’s your take?
Via AppleInsider, Image MacRumors