AT&T has approached MetroPCS and LeapWireless about taking over some of its customers and wireless spectrum as part of an effort to salvage its $39 billion bid for T-Mobile USA, reports Bloomberg News.
AT&T was tossed a curve ball late last month when the U.S. Department of Justice sued to block the merger, a deal which would create the largest wireless company in the U.S.
Selling off parts of AT&T could help alleviate some of the criticism of the government which has said that the deal will hurt competition and lead to higher prices in the wireless industry.
According to Bloomberg, AT&T also has reportedly reached out to Sprint, CenturyLink and Dish Network about a possible asset sale. Sources tell Bloomberg that the talks are preliminary and may not lead to a deal.