By Emma Roth, an editor covering the streaming wars, consumer technology, cryptocurrencies, social media and more. Previously, she was an editor and publisher at MUO. T-Mobile is buying airwaves from Comcast in a deal valued at $3. 3 billion. In a blog post on Comcast’s website, the company explains that it will sell spectrum in the 600 MHz band because it is “unlikely” to need it. Comcast announced plans last year to build a 5G network for its free. However, Comcast says that 5G box testing with CBRS spectrum “exceeded” its expectations and that it “found the band to be highly effective and a vital component of a 5G network. ” That’s why Comcast no longer sees a use for its 600 MHz spectrum, which it says T-Mobile will lease to buy. As part of the agreement, T-Mobile will pay quarterly rentals “followed by a final payment of approximately $3. 3 billion” to acquire the license. A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission confirms that T-Mobile plans to obtain the spectrum, adding that the carrier expects the deal to close in 2028, pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The spectrum will cover primary cities such as New York, New York; Orlando, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; and more. It’s still conceivable that Comcast will need to reclaim some of the six hundred MHz airwaves, as it notes that it has “obtained the option to claim” the spectrum if it makes the decision that it might want it in the future. T-Mobile has used six hundred MHz spectrum to build its 5G network in the past. It first activated its 600 MHz low-band 5G network in 2019, covering many parts of the United States, and spent another $3. 5 billion on 600 MHz spectrum last August. / Sign up for Verge Deals to receive daily deals on products we’ve tested delivered to your inbox. The Verge is a Vox media network © 2023 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved
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