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Sprint CEO: AT&T's Time Warner purchase a 'positive move' but is eyeing regulation

David Orrell | CNBC

As Sprint's (NYSE:S) rival AT&T (NYSE: T) seeks to snap up Time Warner (TWX) for $85 billion, Sprint's CEO called the acquisition "a bold move" while also reiterating the need for regulation.

"We see this as a positive move as long as it's properly regulated to make sure that content is available to all consumers regardless of which network they are in," said Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure in an interview on CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Tuesday.

The move comes as people watch content differently — relying more heavily on mobile. Due to this shift, Claure said there's "some strategic rationale" for the deal.

"The way we look at it, it's a bold move by AT&T," he said. "I applaud them for taking that risk. It validates the point that content providers and wireless carriers can go hand in hand."

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Still, the regulatory system will have to make sure Time Warner is not allowed to give exclusive content to AT&T or engage in discriminatory pricing.

As wireless providers battle for customers, the deal is a way for AT&T to find additional sources of revenue, Claure said.

"I see AT&T as trying to diversify away from wireless," he said. "Wireless is very competitive."

Earlier on Tuesday, Sprint said postpaid phone net additions rose more than five-fold during the second quarter. Its postpaid phone churn of 1.37 percent was the best in company history.

Sprint reported the first increase in net operating revenue in more than two years. It also delivered a loss that was narrower than forecast and revenue that topped expectations.

Still, Sprint stock sank 6 percent in early trade.

Sprint has been focused on cutting costs and has realized more than $1.1 billion in savings year to date.