San Antonio (CA) - Communications giant AT&T announced this week that it won key "B Block" spectrum in the government's auction for 700 MHz airwaves.

The Federal Communications Commission auction was important for AT&T, as it said that its acquisition has given it enough capacity to offer next generation mobile broadband features.

According to the company, the added spectrum brings it to 87% coverage of the entire country, including 100% coverage of the top 200 markets in the US.

Financial results of the auction were not disclosed, but the B Block was expected to be the most sought-after spectrum.

"Results of the auction bidding demonstrate the B Block was the most attractive, most valuable spectrum available, and it was the best investment for AT&T and our customers," said AT&T wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega.

AT&T said the results of the auction would allow it to be the first to open up 4G mobile functionality in the US.

hu?

Apr 04, 2008 13:59     

I thought Verizon won this. What did Verizon win then? EDIT (TGD Mark): Verizon won "C Block" spectrum. AT&T won the more prized "B Block." They're different frequency ranges throughout the country.
matt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

BOOOOOOOOOOOO

Apr 04, 2008 15:54     

I (we, consumers)were hoping that it would be used to build a nation wide wireless internet service ... not more cellphone coverage ... BBOOOOOOOOO
09 F9 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

re: 09F9

Apr 04, 2008 19:48     

what do you think this is? It's a nation wide wireless internet service.... for iPhones granted, but it's still what it is going to be used for. Were you expecting a government run free/cheap nationwide internet service? dream on! our country needs to figure out social security and healthcare first. Once they can run those without screwing us all then I might maybe possibly (though still not likely) trust them with my internet download speeds.

Caeden report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

AT&T Got Spanked

Apr 05, 2008 09:52     

Verizon won the C block, and they got the A and B block in some major cities. While AT&T may have a footprint in New York City, for example, it is Verizon that is holding all the bandwidth. This is highly important on crowded networks, and AT&T is going to get spanked in quality of service.
AT&T Got Spanked report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Spanked...?

Apr 06, 2008 12:04     

There are larger things at work here than who owns the spectrum....The HUGE telecomm companies...buy/sell/share space on all their network space...
Huh? report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Word is...

Apr 06, 2008 12:58     

It will be used for broadband, just don't expect it to be free.
marko report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0