US Cellular snaps up 700MHz licenses for LTE
updated 05:10 pm EST, Mon February 13, 2012
Adds to capabilities in N. Carolina and Nebraska
US Cellular (USCC) has snapped up additional spectrum as it preps for the launch of its LTE-based services next month. On Friday, the Chicago-based regional services provider applied to the FCC for approval to buy five 700MHz licenses in North Carolina and Nebraska. The acquisitions, if approved, will give the carrier LTE-compatible spectrum in six North Carolina markets and eight areas in Nebraska.
The carrier is buying the three licenses in North Carolina from Cavalier Wireless, and the two 700MHz licenses in Nebraska from USA Communications. The public has until February 24 to file petitions in opposition to the purchase and March 12 to make their final comments.
Earlier this month, US Cellular revealed that it planned to offer LTE services in March in the six states it serves in partnership with King Street Wireless. The initial target markets for the high speed data services included Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wisconsin; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, North Carolina. This would provide about 25 percent of its customers with LTE coverage.
The carrier will be offering its subscribers either the Samsung Galaxy S Aviator smartphone or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE. The Aviator is a variant of the Motorola Droid Charge offered by Verizon. [via Wireless Week]
