Comcast and Charter could invest in Sprint’s network, resell Sprint data

Enlarge (credit: Mike Mozart)

Comcast and Charter have reportedly started negotiating with Sprint, as the two biggest cable companies in the US explore the possibility of buying the wireless carrier or investing in its network.

Comcast and Charter last month announced an agreement to cooperate in their plans to sell mobile phone service, an agreement that also forbids each company from making wireless acquisitions and investments without the other's consent for one year. Yesterday, The Wall Street Journal reported that "Sprint has entered into exclusive talks with Charter Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. as the cable companies explore a deal that could bolster their plans to offer wireless service, according to people familiar with the matter."

There are a couple different arrangements being considered. In one, the cable companies would invest in "improving Sprint’s network in exchange for favorable terms to offer wireless service using the carrier’s network," possibly by taking an equity stake.