T-Mobile may use Clearwire to get coverage, speed

T-Mobile late Thursday confirmed circulating rumors that it was talking to Clearwire about a possible partnership in the wireless space. The cell network's US chief, Robert Dotson, said his firm was investigating a joint venture with "opportunities for additional spectrum" and that Clearwire was a candidate along with unnamed cable providers. What this would exactly entail wasn't stated, nor was how close T-Mobile was to a deal.

Dotson made an effort to dismiss rumors of a tie-in to Sprint, which owns a majority stake in Clearwire. Corporations "going through challenges" shouldn't join up with others facing similar challenges, he said.

A deal with Clearwire could potentially give T-Mobile phones that use WiMAX, which is used exclusively for Clearwire's mobile Internet access so far. If only interested in spectrum, however, the company could use the added frequencies for another technology, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or even additional 3G space.

3G coverage has been a sore point for T-Mobile in its attempt to catch up with larger rivals like AT&T and Verizon. Due to the results of 3G auctions at the FCC, T-Mobile has had to use the uncommon 1,700MHz band for faster cell data, ruling out the iPhone and most other GSM devices if it wants 3G. It only began deploying the extra speed in 2008, three years after AT&T, and can't claim access as widespread as its competitors.

Any deal is most likely to finish up before 2011, when 4G should be ready at T-Mobile.

By Electronista Staff