According to Bloomberg, Deutsche Telekom AG's T-Mobile USA may be closer to a deal with Clearwire Corp to buy wireless spectrum. At this time T-Mobile is the only potential bidder and the sale of the spectrum could happen by the end of first quarter 2011, although another person said they weren't in a rush to buy the spectrum. Clearwire spokesman Mike DiGioia said "we continue to seek additional funding" from sources that include the sale of spectrum; however, he declined to comment on discussions with T-Mobile.
Clearwire has been building out their fourth generation wireless WiMAX network (sold by Sprint and CLEAR) with service available in over 70+ markets now. The pressure is on, though, as Verizon launched their 4G LTE network available in 38 markets with plans to add 140 new markets through 2011. AT&T also plans to launch their own LTE service in the second half of 2011, which means customers will have more choices for the latest 4G technology. If T-Mobile can secure additional spectrum they could have a huge edge over Verizon and AT&T, as one of the challenges of LTE deployment is the difficulty in obtaining spectrum, according to T-Mobile's German chief executive officer, Rene Obermann. In a Jan. 20 statement, Bonn-based T-Mobile said "Deutsche Telekom is exploring various options to acquire additional spectrum and reduce the gap regarding economies of scale compared with its larger competitors, including partnering with other companies".
Related Links:
- CLEAR/Sprint 4G WiMAX Markets
- Verizon VZ4G LTE Markets
- Check Coverage With 3Gstores 3G/4G Coverage Map
