Just last week, we heard that Verizon and T-Mobile were close to swapping the spectrum. Today, we have found out, via TmoNews, that Verizon and T-Mobile had filed paperwork with the FCC to ask for permission to swap their high-frequency spectrum. This also goes with the rumors that the two were looking at a deal on the spectrum. And Verizon actually stated that they were open to swapping. Here’s the report from The Streetregarding the report.
“The #1 and #4 U.S. carriers want to swap AWS-1 and PCS spectrum. The AWS-1 spectrum covers 285 counties and 59 markets, while the PCS spectrum covers 153 counties and 47 markets. The carriers will not exchange network assets or customers, only spectrum.”
From the filing, there’s no mention of many changing hands between the two carriers. So this is simply just a case of both carriers looking to shuffle their airwaves to best suit their own purposes. Its also worth noting that this deal is separate from any bid from T-Mobile buy A-block 700Mhz spectrum from Verizon. This spectrum swap is all high-frequency, and relates to urban areas. So that this news isn’t really interesting to those that don’t live in the city. However, on the bright side it is worth noting how much T-Mobile’s coverage has increased since the beginning of the year. For me, personally, I’ve noticed I’m getting a much better signal from T-Mobile now then when I switched in November of 2012. Which is great for T-Mobile.
If and when this swap goes through, and the A-block spectrum bid rumors become a reality, T-Mobile could be put into a really good place. As the A-block would allow T-Mobile to bring coverage to some 100 million more people. Which is always great to expand your coverage, especially when you are the number four nationwide carrier in the US. It’s exciting times for T-Mobile.
Do you think this spectrum swap will go through for T-Mobile? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below.