T-Mobile to Launch TV Service in 2018, Acquires Layer3

T-Mobile is moving into the television business, announcing plans to launch a “disruptive” new TV service in 2018.

T-Mobile US President and CEO John Legere unveiled the news as the next phase in the “Un-carrier’s” mobile video strategy. “People love their TV, but they hate their TV providers,” he said. “And worse, they have no real choice but to simply take it—the crappy customer service, clunky technology and outrageous bills loaded with fees! That’s where we come in. We’re gonna fix the pain points and bring real choice to consumers across the country. It only makes sense for the Un-carrier to do to TV what we’re doing to wireless: change it for good! Personally, I can’t wait to start fighting for consumers here!”

“We’re in the midst of the Golden Age of TV, and yet people have never been more frustrated by the status quo created by Big Cable and Satellite TV,” added Mike Sievert, the COO of T-Mobile. “That’s because the world is changing—with mobile video, streaming services, cord cutting, original content and more—and yet, the old guard simply can’t—or won’t—evolve. It’s time for a disruptor to shake things up and give people real choice like only the Un-carrier can.”

The company also signed a definitive agreement to acquire TV technology innovator Layer3 TV. It will be working with Layer3 TV’s technology and talent to create T-Mobile’s new TV service.

“No market needs Un-carrier-ing more than pay TV, so we’re completely stoked to join T-Mobile in disrupting the status quo!” said Jeff Binder, CEO of Layer3 TV. “Together with T-Mobile, we’re going to ditch everything you hate about cable and make everything you love about TV better.”