The move ends months of speculation that it would make a play to fully acquire the spectrum-rich player, as it moves to challenge market leaders Verizon and AT&T.
Sprint is reportedly in talks with shareholders of Clearwire’s publically traded stock, including minority holders Comcast, Intel and Highbridge Capital Management and Mount Kellet Capital.
Capacity reported last month of Sprint’s urgent need to take full ownership of Clearwire after Japanese operator Softbank announced intentions to acquire a 70% stake in USA’s third largest player for $20.1 billion.
Sprint did recently buy a small stake in Clearwire to establish majority control of the company, but the deal did not give it full control of the spectrum it owns.
Sprint helped form Clearwire in 2008 in a joint venture, worth $3.2 billion, with partnership with Google, Intel, Comcast and Time Warner Cable.
