T-Mobile just announced plans to launch a disruptive new integrated mobile and home video service in 2018 via the acquisition of Layer3 TV. Layer3 TV is a service that integrates TV, streaming online video content, and social media. Amir Rozwadowski, Telecom Analyst at Barclays, joined us to discuss the implications of the deal.
Rozwadowski believes the Layer3 TV acquisition seems to be a low cost move to into the evolving distribution game. Management expressed Layer3 TV is being purchased mainly for its team and technology. Due to this outlook, the Barclays analyst thinks the video service will take time to scale. Since Layer3 TV is still in such early stages of integration, Rozwadowski says it's tough to predict the complete impact on the overall telecom sector.
The race to 5G is another hot topic for telecom companies. The analyst says the technology will be able to deliver "dynamic capacity on a real-time basis." He says it's still early, but Verizon is emerging as the leader in 5G.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said Thursday that the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. in the current fiscal quarter will be sourced from India, while iPads and other devices will come from Vietnam as the company works to avoid the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on its business. Apple’s earnings for the first three months of the year topped Wall Street’s expectations thanks to high demand for its iPhones, and the company said tariffs had a limited effect on the fiscal second quarter’s results. Cook added that for the current quarter, assuming things don’t change, Apple expects to see $900 million added to its costs as a result of the tariffs.
