Sprint Corp.’s wireless affiliate troubles gained more steam as network partner Gulf Coast Wireless L.P. joined the growing list of disgruntled affiliates seeking injunctive relief from Sprint’s pending acquisition of Nextel Communications Inc.
In a court filing, Gulf Coast, which has ties to fellow affiliate US Unwired Inc., said it was seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief preventing Sprint from violating its affiliate agreement. Gulf Coast Wireless noted that Sprint’s acquisition of Nextel will place Sprint in direct competition with the affiliate through Nextel’s and its affiliate Nextel Partners Inc.’s networks in Gulf Coast Wireless’ service areas that include the coastal regions of Louisiana and Mississippi.
The complaint is similar to previously lodged accusations by Sprint affiliates UbiquiTel Inc., iPCS Inc., US Unwired, Horizon Personal Communications Inc. and Bright Personal Communications Services L.L.C. claiming that Sprint’s acquisition of Nextel will breach exclusivity obligations under the affiliate agreements. Sprint reached an agreement to acquire US Unwired last month for $1.3 billion.
