AT&T to buy more spectrum across Oklahoma

AT&T appears to be in the early stages of improving its 5G network across parts of Oklahoma, based on the company's latest filings with the Federal Communications Commission. AT&T told the FCC that it reached an agreement with Pioneer Telephone Cooperative to acquire some of that company's 700MHz and PCS spectrum licenses in Oklahoma. "By acquiring control of the ... licenses, AT&T will be able to augment its network capacity and improve the quality of services it offers in the affected market," the operator wrote. An AT&T official declined to comment beyond the FCC filings. The move doesn't come as a total surprise, as Pioneer Cellular disclosed earlier in 2023 that it would shut down its cellular operations. According to AT&T's filing with the FCC, Pioneer counts around 37,000 mobile customers, including 147 prepaid customers, 86 Lifeline customers, and 732 fixed wireless customers. Pioneer is working to move those customers onto other networks.