US mobile giant AT&T has secured 49 advanced wireless services (AWS) spectrum licences from private investor Aloha Partners II.
The Dallas-based operator did not disclose the value of the frequencies but said they covered nearly 50 million people across…
US mobile giant AT&T has secured 49 advanced wireless services (AWS) spectrum licences from private investor Aloha Partners II.
The Dallas-based operator did not disclose the value of the frequencies but said they covered nearly 50 million people across 14 states and complemented its existing AWS holdings.
The acquisition is subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval and AT&T expects it to close in the second half of the year.
Aloha first purchased AWS spectrum in 2004, and then again in 2007 and 2008. It claims to be the eighth-largest owner of wireless spectrum in the US and had planned to build a 3G network with the airwaves.
However, Aloha said it changed its strategy due to the demand for wireless broadband and is now exploring joint ventures with other carriers to develop 4G networks in markets where it owns frequencies.
For AT&T, the transaction is in line with its strategy to gradually build up its spectrum portfolio as demand for mobile services continues to rise. In September it closed a deal with Verizon Wireless to acquire 700 MHz B band licences for US$1.9bn, plus additional spectrum licences.
In October it sealed the US$780m acquisition of Alltel, which has spectrum holdings in the 700 MHz, 850 MHz and 1,900 MHz bands.
