HiWire’s Aloha expands 700 MHz spectrum portfolio

Aloha Partners L.P., the parent company of broadcast mobile TV outlet HiWire L.L.C., entered into an agreement to purchase 32 lower 700 MHz licenses from LIN TV Corp. for $32.5 million in cash.
The acquisition will boost the company’s portfolio to more than 270 licenses in the 700 MHz band, expand its coverage to nearly 65% of the U.S. population and nearly 85% of residents living in the top 100 markets.
The deal, which is contingent upon Federal Communications Commission approval, is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Aloha Partners already boasts of extensive 700 MHz holdings in the United States.
Aloha Partners plans to launch a nationwide broadcast mobile TV service once it strikes a deal with a major partner in the wireless, cable or Internet space. HiWire is currently conducting a trial with T-Mobile USA Inc. in Las Vegas to gather feedback on consumer use and test various equipment and service offerings.
The licenses it plans to purchase from LIN TV Corp. are clustered in the Northeast and upper Midwest markets, as well as markets in south central Texas.