T-Mobile closes Layer3 TV deal

T-Mobile in the US has completed its acquisition of TV technology company Layer3 TV as it starts work on its aim to disrupt the US$100+ billion pay TV market.

T-Mobile plans to use Layer3 to drive its plans to launch a disruptive new TV service in 2018, having first announced the deal last month.

The mobile operator said it will work with Layer3 TV’s technology and team to create a new TV service aimed at people who are “tired of all the BS that comes bundled with big cable and satellite TV”.

“We know people love their TV, but hate their TV providers. But, the reaction to our announcement last month took even me by surprise,” said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile.

He said that “people are ready for change,” adding: “I can’t wait to take the fight to big cable and satellite TV on behalf of consumers everywhere”.

T-Mobile’s new TV team will be led by Jeff Binder, CEO of Layer3 TV, who has joined T-Mobile as an executive vice president, reporting to T-Mobile’s chief operating officer, Mike Sievert.

The incoming 200 person-strong Layer3 team also includes: Lindsay Gardner, former president of distribution at Fox; Dave Fellows, former CTO of Comcast and AT&T Broadband; Amos Smith, former SVP and CFO of Time Warner Cable Residential Services; and Gregg Grigaitis, former SVP of products at Suddenlink.