Comcast is one of a number of companies holding talks with Deutsche Telekom about T-Mobile US, according to a German press report on Wednesday.
The U.S. cable operator is interested in acquiring the mobile business, Manager Magazin reported, citing a number of inside sources. Dish Network and others are also in the running, the publication said.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month Dish Network and Deutsche Telekom were in early stage talks about a combination of their U.S. businesses. There has been no official comment from any of the parties involved.
Manager Magazin said Deutsche Telekom has yet to make a decision, but an offer from Comcast could prove more attractive since the cableco is financially stronger and could effect a full takeover of T-Mobile, rather than a share swap.
A tie-up between Comcast and T-Mobile US makes logical sense as the industry increasingly moves to quad-play and bundled services. And Comcast is in a position to make a move, having seen its $45.2 billion deal to acquire rival Time Warner Cable fall apart in April due to regulatory opposition.
Dish Network is also keen to enter the U.S. mobile market though and will doubtless not give up on T-Mobile without a fight. The satellite TV provider has been amassing mobile spectrum in recent years and failed in an attempt to buy Sprint in 2013.
