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AT&T made it clear that it wanted T-Mobile’s spectrum holdings to help build out its 4G LTE network. Now that the T-Mobile deal has collapsed, the carrier is on the hunt to find more spectrum. According to the Wall Street Journal, AT&T is talking with a variety of companies including Leap Wireless, MetroPCS and Dish Network as it looks to increase its access to these valuable airwaves.
The most favorable option for AT&T would be Leap Wireless because it already has a friendly relationship with the regional carrier. When AT&T was seeking approval of its T-Mobile acquisition, AT&T offered to sell some of its spectrum to Leap. Even if it could hammer out a deal that passed government scrutiny, Leap’s spectrum holdings are small and AT&T would still have to hunt for more available airwaves to help build out its network.
The Wall Street Journal says AT&T is actively talking to some of the parties, but sources familiar with the matter say negotiations are in the early stages. Any official announcement is still a few months away. In the meantime, AT&T is continuing to build out its LTE network using its available spectrum. It reportedly has enough holdings to last it for this year and the next.
[WSJ]
About The Author
Kelly Hodgkins
Kelly spent the last four years covering mobile technology at places like BGR, Gizmodo and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. Before writing, she spent a few years working with and teaching others how to use Adobe Flash and Macromedia Director. Even earlier than that, she spent several years as a Ph.D student in Microbiology. When she's not writing, she can be found fishing the lakes and hiking the mountains of Western Maine with her husband and tribe of children. You can follow her on Twitter @kellyhodgkins.
