T-Moblie is expanding its 4G network by purchasing 10 MHz of Advanced Wireless Services, or AWS, spectrum from regional carrier U.S. Cellular. The $308 million cash purchase will allow T-Mobile to offer 4G LTE service to around 32 million people in twenty-nine markets in the Mississippi Valley region.
“In today’s marketplace, spectrum is gold. This is a rare opportunity to secure precious AWS spectrum in key markets that will immediately be put to use by both T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers. This deal expands our network and capacity, allowing for a broader roll-out of 4G LTE and an even faster and more reliable 4G experience for our customers – in addition to spurring competition in the wireless marketplace.” – John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile.
The purchase must still be approved by the FCC and the Department Of Justice, and if approved the deal will close in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Press release follows below.
T-Mobile Agrees to Acquire AWS Spectrum in Mississippi Valley Region from U.S. Cellular
Transaction Further Enhances Portfolio of Nationwide Broadband Spectrum; Expands LTE Coverage to New Markets and Deepens 4G LTE Roll-out in 29 Key MarketsBELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jun. 28, 2013– T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary has signed an agreement to purchase 10 MHz of Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum from U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) for $308 million in cash. The spectrum covers a total of 32M people in 29 markets in the Mississippi Valley region — notably in St. Louis; Nashville; Kansas City; Memphis; Lexington; Little Rock-North Little Rock; Birmingham; New Orleans; and Louisville. This additional spectrum will allow for an incremental roll-out of T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network coverage to new markets and expands the existing 4G LTE bandwidth in the important Mississippi Valley region.
“In today’s marketplace, spectrum is gold,” said John Legere, President and CEO of T-Mobile. “This is a rare opportunity to secure precious AWS spectrum in key markets that will immediately be put to use by both T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers. This deal expands our network and capacity, allowing for a broader roll-out of 4G LTE and an even faster and more reliable 4G experience for our customers – in addition to spurring competition in the wireless marketplace.”
The agreement is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Department of Justice, and other customary closing conditions. Following regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013.