While Son said he considered investments in companies outside the U.S., Sprint was the best choice because it has the ability to challenge Verizon Wireless and AT&T's dominance of the U.S. mobile-phone industry. The Softbank investment will give Sprint the capital to pay down debt, invest in its network or continue to make deals in the U.S. wireless industry. “Anything you can think of, I have thought about,” Son said. “Don't rule out anything.”

Eoin Treacy's view The utility of tablet computers, smart phones, laptops and other mobile devices is increasingly dependent on fast, reliable internet access. Regardless of which company eventually comes out as the dominant force in device manufacturing, the end user will still need to pay a utility provider for wireless access. As demand for devices continues to grow, there is likely to be a strong correlation with demand for internet access.

AT&T is a relatively recent entrant to the S&P 500 dividend aristocrats and yields 5.12%. The share pulled back sharply over the last three weeks but found support yesterday in the region of the 200-day MA and a sustained move below $33 would now be required to question potential for a further bounce.

Verizon yields 4.68% and continues to hold a progression of higher reaction lows. A sustained move below the 200-day MA, currently near $42.40 would be required to question medium-term scope for additional upside.

Sprint Nextel is testing the upper side of its three-year range and a sustained move below $4.80 would be required to question potential for a successful upward break.

Viacom (2.05%) broke an 18-month progression of lower rally highs in September and a sustained move back below $52 would be required to question potential for additional higher to lateral ranging.

The growth in wireless provision is benefitting service providers such as AMDOCS. The share broke out its two and a half year range in August and has been consolidating above it since. A sustained move below $32 would be required to question medium-term scope for additional upside.