AT&T has bought spectrum from Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Paul Allen to broaden its 4G LTE footprint.
Allen’s Seattle-based company, Vulcan Spectrum, initially acquired the spectrum and 24 licenses in 2003, but did not reveal any plans for the assets. The licenses are in the 700MHz range, which is the band Verizon Wireless is also using for its 4G network. The spectrum covers the areas of Oregon and Washington.
AT&T senior vice-president for architecture and planning, Kris Rinne, told a conference this week the carrier has no plans to upgrade to HSPA. The new spectrum will be deployed to enable it to go straight to LTE, with first trials beginning next year and commercial service slated to start in 2011.
An AT&T spokesman said the company would not disclose financial terms for the spectrum acquisition.