Analysts see network-sharing arrangement if AT&T/T-Mobile merger collapses

AT&T (NYSE:T) appears determined to do all it can to try and salvage its proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA in the face of a Department of Justice lawsuit to block the deal on antitrust grounds. AT&T will face off against the Justice Department in court today and will likely argue over when to set a trial date. However, if the deal collapses, analysts expect the two carriers to try and strike a network-sharing arrangement, which would be less financially beneficial to AT&T. Such a deal could potentially give AT&T access to the spectrum it wants to acquire via the deal. If the merger transaction does fall apart, AT&T will be required to pay T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom a $6 billion breakup fee, which includes $3 billion in cash and $3 billion in spectrum and roaming agreements. Article