Here is some more perspective on the Softbank deal.
http://www.businessinsider.com/sprint-clearwire-spectrium-softbank-2012-10
http://www.businessinsider.com/man-who-bought-sprint-gambler-bent-on-world-domination-2012-10
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-hidden-losers-in-softbanks-20-billion-sprint-deal-startups-vcs-and-yahoo-shareholders-2012-10
http://www.businessinsider.com/softbanks-son-on-sprint-acquisition-every-man-aspires-to-be-1-2012-10