AT&T Says 700 MHz Spectrum Key to Its LTE Strategy
AT&T emphasized the importance of 700 MHz spectrum to its deployment of LTE, in a letter to the FCC answering questions on its proposed buy of two lower 700 MHz B-block licenses in South Carolina from West Carolina (see 1603020060).…
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“AT&T’s LTE deployment strategy centers around the Lower 700 MHz band, and AT&T has made deployment of LTE in 700 MHz spectrum a key priority,” the carrier said. “Where AT&T holds Lower 700 MHz B or C Block spectrum, AT&T will launch LTE service initially using that spectrum.” The company typically launches LTE in a 5x5 MHz configuration where a single 12 MHz block of lower 700 MHz B or C block spectrum is available and in a 10x10 MHz configuration in areas where both the lower 700 MHz B and C blocks are available, the carrier said. AT&T said it now has a 5x5 MHz network in the two cellular market areas covered, Anderson and Laurens, and is deploying a 10x10 network using leased spectrum. “Acquisition of these licenses from West Carolina will enable AT&T to maintain this 10 x 10 MHz LTE deployment in the Lower 700 MHz spectrum in these CMAs on a permanent basis,” AT&T said. It redacted key information on the markets.