Skip to content

SoftBank’s $4.8B T-Mobile stake sale fuels OpenAI bets amid network expansion

A billion-dollar shift in telecom stakes reveals SoftBank’s bold AI play. Can T-Mobile’s network dominance outpace investor exits and market volatility?

In this image there is a store, on the top there is some text.
In this image there is a store, on the top there is some text.

SoftBank’s $4.8B T-Mobile stake sale fuels OpenAI bets amid network expansion

SoftBank has sold a significant portion of its T-Mobile US shares, raising around 4.8 billion dollars. The move aims to fund investments in OpenAI. Meanwhile, T-Mobile US continues to strengthen its position as a leading mobile network in the U.S., with recent expansions and technological upgrades under parent company Deutsche Telekom.

The sale of SoftBank’s stake comes as institutional investors, including Davenport & Co LLC and Norden Group LLC, have also reduced their holdings in T-Mobile US. Analysts are watching these outflows, though no specific evaluations of SoftBank’s decision have been reported. Recent ratings for Deutsche Telekom, however, remain positive, with Deutsche Bank issuing a 'Buy' recommendation as of December 11, 2025.

T-Mobile US has maintained strong performance, earning the title of 'America’s Best Mobile Network' from Ookla. This recognition supports its cash flow, which remains vital for Deutsche Telekom’s dividend payments. The company is also expanding its fibre network, recently connecting an additional 900,000 households. On the technical side, Deutsche Telekom’s share price broke above its 38-day moving average (GD38) before the holiday period. The stock held this level into the long weekend, placing it in the upper third of its recent trading range. Market observers will focus on whether this upward momentum continues in early 2026, particularly if trading volume confirms the breakout. Deutsche Telekom is also advancing its network infrastructure. Plans are underway to deploy Open RAN technology across up to 30,000 sites, reducing dependence on single hardware suppliers and improving flexibility. Compared to U.S. competitors, the company’s stock retains a modest fundamental valuation.

SoftBank’s share sale highlights shifting investment priorities, while T-Mobile US and Deutsche Telekom push forward with network growth and technological upgrades. The stock’s recent price movement and expansion plans suggest continued focus on long-term positioning. Analysts will likely track trading volume and institutional activity as key indicators in the coming weeks.

Read also: