Verizon Wireless’ plans to sell off 700 MHz spectrum licenses seems to be generating plenty of interest and deals as the carrier announced it has recently agreed to sell 10 B-Block licenses to Clear Talk for an undisclosed sum. The licenses cover approximately 2.1 million potential customers across five markets in Texas as well as markets in Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico.
Clear Talk currently offers wireless services across portions of South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Tennessee and California.
Verizon Wireless noted it has now sold or agreed to sell 36 of its A- and B-Block licenses in the 700 MHz band it said it would unload as part of the federal government approving its acquisition of 1.7/2.1 GHz licenses from a handful of cable providers.
Most of Verizon Wireless’ spectrum deals to date have been for its B-Block licenses that provide broader coverage than the A-Block licenses it’s also offering up for bid, which should be more appealing to rural carriers not interested in building out networks in densely populated and competitive rich markets.
The B-Block licenses are also apt to provide easier access to network equipment, devices and roaming capabilities as that block is included in AT&T Mobility’s current Band Class 17 proposal that includes the lower B- and C-Blocks in the 700 MHz spectrum band. AT&T Mobility is attempting to prevent the inclusion of the A-Block in its Band Class plans citing potential interference in that band. Supporters of including the A-Block into one band with the B- and C-Block to form Band Class 12 note that the interference issues are overblown and that not including the A-Block will limit opportunities for carriers that picked up those licenses during the Federal Communications Commission 700 MHz auction.
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