Sprint posts smaller-than-expected subscriber loss on cheaper plans

The Sprint logo is displayed on a a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., April 30, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

(Reuters) – Sprint Corp said on Monday it lost fewer than expected mobile phone subscribers who pay a monthly bill in the third quarter, benefiting from cheaper plans ahead of a merger with larger rival T-Mobile US.

The company said it lost 115,000 postpaid phone subscribers during the quarter ended Dec 31. Analysts were expecting a net loss of 160,000 subscribers, according to research firm FactSet.

Sprint, the fourth largest U.S. wireless carrier by subscribers, is facing a multi-state lawsuit against its $26-billion proposed merger with larger rival T-Mobile US Inc.

T-Mobile and Sprint have said the merger will not lead to higher prices for consumers and would allow it to compete effectively with dominant carriers Verizon Communications Inc <VZ.N and AT&T Inc.

Net loss attributable to the company fell to $120 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31 from $141 million a year earlier.

On a per share basis, the company reported a loss of 3 cents per share, unchanged from a year earlier.

Total net operating revenue fell 6.1% to $8.08 billion, but beat analysts’ estimate of $8.22 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Shares of the company were marginally up at $4.84 in trading before the bell.

Reporting by Neha Malara in Bengaluru’ Editing by Arun Koyyur

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
source: reuters.com