T-Mobile to Transition 3G from AWS to PCS and Use AWS for LTE
Feb 23, 2012, 8:14 AM by Eric M. Zeman
T-Mobile USA today explained how it will use its current and future spectrum assets to launch LTE 4G starting in 2013. According to T-Mobile, 90% of the devices it sold during the fourth quarter od 2011 were either 3G or 4G, and the number of customers still making use of 2G devices has declined significantly. T-Mobile plans to reduce the amount of 1900MHz PCS spectrum used for 2G GSM services and refarm — or repurpose it — for HSPA+ in the PCS band. By moving its 3G network services from its AWS spectrum (1700MHz) to its PCS spectrum, T-Mobile will free up space in its AWS spectrum for its future LTE network. T-Mobile also points out that using 1900MHz for 3G will make its devices more compatible with the networks used by other operators in the U.S. and abroad. T-Mobile also hopes to acquire additional AWS spectrum from AT&T and other sources. T-Mobile said that it plans to modernize its network infrastructure and use new antenna integrated radios on many of its cell towers, which will deliver higher performance and strengthen coverage. The company expects to spend $4 billion updating its network over the net few years.
source: T-Mobile USA
Comments
Good for ya TMO!!!
What about GSM in 10 MHz areas?
Or did they get spectrum from AT&T in all of the places where they only have 10 MHz?
And that also makes me think that, if any of the spectrum AT&T is turning over is already in use, this could put the squeeze on their network and customers. Good for T-Mo subs but bad for AT&T subs, unless that spectrum has been sitting idle, in which case it puts the lie even more forcefu...
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at&t said they were turning over spectrum in 7 of the top 10 markets, which, if I remember, includes Los Angeles and Chicago, gigantic markets.
If they had that spectrum and were sitting on it unused, all I can say is at&t...
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