New licenses would support T-Mobile LTE coverage in parts of Wyoming and Idaho
In it’s continuing effort to boost rural coverage, T-Mobile US is asking for the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to give its consent to a proposed purchased of 700 MHz licenses from Silver Star Telephone Company. Silver Star, established in 1948, provides wireless voice and data services, IP-TV, internet and smart home services.
In the Oct. 25 submission to the FCC, T-Mobile notes the purchase of the licenses “will yield substantial public interest benefits because the spectrum assignments will allow T-Mobile to deploy LTE service more broadly and robustly than is currently possible using its existing spectrum holdings in the markets…The additional spectrum also will enable added capacity and improved data throughput speeds, helping improve network reliability and coverage in the markets. Consumers in urban areas will benefit because the low-band spectrum will allow T-Mobile to improve significantly its customers’ in-building coverage. Consumers in suburban and rural areas will benefit from the increased reach of low-band spectrum, which will allow T-Mobile to enhance its network performance and coverage cost-effectively. These benefits will allow T-Mobile to become a stronger competitor in the wireless marketplace.”
Earlier this year T-Mo spent billions in the FCC’s reverse spectrum auction to buy up 600 MHz spectrum previously used by broadcaster. The carrier is deploying the spectrum to not only improve its reach into rural markets, but to also support its future ambitions around delivering on 5G services.
The operator lit up its first 600 MHz sites in Cheyenne, Wy., using equipment provided by Nokia. Beyond Wyoming, T-Mobile has deployed 600 MHz in parts of Maine and is further targeting the New York City metro area, Northwest Oregon, West Texas, Southwest Kansas, the Oklahoma panhandle, Central Virginia and Eastern Washington.
The 700 MHz licenses in question cover Carbon, Fremont, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties in Wyoming, and parts of Bonneville County, Idaho. This area includes Jackson, Wy., Grand Teton National Park and the southern part of Yellowstone National Park.
