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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a new rule to narrow what products qualify for a "Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label. Now only meat, poultry and egg products from animals "born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States" will make the grade.
The Biden administration sued to block JetBlue Airways' $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines, saying Tuesday that the deal would reduce competition and drive up air fares for consumers.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will hint that the central bank could increase the pace of interest rate hikes if data indicate price pressures continuing.
Stocks sank on Wall Street after the head of the Federal Reserve warned it could speed up its economy-rattling hikes to interest rates if pressure stays high on inflation.