T-Mobile aims to scoop up more 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployments

T-Mobile US has been hunting for yet more 700 MHz spectrum to augment its LTE coverage and capacity, with the carrier quietly making several deals for airwaves with small license holders.

In filings to the Federal Communications Commission, T-Mobile argues that the deals are in the public interest because they will enable the company to expand capacity and mobile broadband services. T-Mobile also argues there will be no loss of an existing service providers in any of the market areas because the entities it is buying the spectrum from are not providing service to customers. As of the end of the third quarter, T-Mobile owned or had agreements to own 700 MHz A-Block spectrum covering 176 million POPs, or around 55 percent of the US population. The spectrum covers more than 70 percent of the company's existing customer base.