Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile is eyeing top spot in the U.S. market after its deal to take over Sprint was cleared by judges.
Julian Satterthwaite reports.
After Sprint deal, T-Mobile eyes U.S. top spot
Deutsche Telekom is in celebratory mood.
And not just because it's marking its 25th anniversary as a listed company.
The German giant also has its eyes on top spot in the U.S. mobile market.
That after a New York judge threw out efforts to block a takeover of network operator Sprint.
When completed, that will create a business with 270 million customers and 120 billion dollars in revenue.
Chief executive Tim Hoettges says it's well placed to overtake Verizon and AT&T in the U.S. market.
He also brushed off suggestions its 5G plans were struggling: (SOUNDBITE) (German) DEUTSCHE TELEKOM CEO TIMOTHEUS HOETTGES, SAYING: "We have 450 antennas in operation, we have supplied eight cities and are fully on track regarding our 5G strategy, so I can't understand the rumours circulating about a conflict.
We are well on our way to maintaining our market leadership." Deutsche Telekom forecast core earnings for this year of about 25.5 billion euros - or about 27.5 billion dollars.
Though that's below analyst forecasts, investors seem more focused on the Sprint deal, now expected to close by April 1.
Deutsche Telekom shares rose over 4% on Wednesday.