Deutsche Telekom is holding off on plans to sell T-Mobile US as it looks to focus on the upcoming US incentive auction, according to Reuters.

The so called reverse auction, which will see the country’s broadcasters sell off unwanted spectrum in the 600MHz band, is due to begin later this month, with T-Mobile US expected to be an active participant.

According to US regulator rules, auction participants are also not allowed to be involved in any partnership or merger talks during the weeks before and after the process.

“During that period, there will be no M&A activity in the US telecoms sector,” said a Reuters source.

Deutsche Telekom has tried to sell the unit for some time, with rival Sprint coming close to sealing a deal in 2014, before being blocked by US regulators.

Last year, Dish Network also saw talks stall over the unit, while French operator Iliad has too shown interest.

The German incumbent owns approximately 66 per cent of T-Mobile US, and has reportedly maintained it is in no pressure to sell, but would consider offers. In May last year, Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Hoettges said the company would also consider a partnership to improve T-Mobile US.

Meanwhile, the unit continues to perform well, almost tripling net profit in its Q4 2015 results, while adding 2.1 million new net customers. T-Mobile US last year overtook Sprint to become the country’s third largest operator by connections.