T-Mobile USA has not yet decided on its plans for launch of ‘next-generation’ networks but is confident it will not be involved in any future market consolidation. Bloomberg reports that the operator – which has trailed rivals AT&T, Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless in the launch of 3G services – is still considering its spectrum options for launch of so-called next-generation services. The news agency notes that Timotheus Hoettges, CFO of parent company Deutsche Telekom, said T-Mobile USA is deciding whether to enter into partnerships for spectrum, wait for President Barack Obama’s administration to auction off more licenses or buy licenses from someone. “That is not yet decided,” he said. “We have to consider all options.” Last month the operator was reported to be in talks to access network capacity from rival US operators Clearwire and MetroPCS.

Meanwhile Bloomberg notes that Hoettges believes there’s no need for further consolidation of the US mobile phone market. Recent high-profile deals include Verizon’s acquisition of Alltel and AT&T’s purchase of Centennial. “There are four national players in the US market for 300 million households, while in Europe, where we have 350 million households, there are 50-70 operators… We believe in our chances of being the challenger.” According to Wireless Intelligence, T-Mobile is the fourth-largest US operator with 33.5 million subscribers and a 12 percent market share.