Verizon Wireless buying more spectrum

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Just this month Verizon Wireless bought $3.6 billion worth of spectrum from a partnership of three cable companies. Now it’s shelling out $315 million more to buy some spectrum licenses from another cable MSO, Cox Communications.


Cox is selling Verizon Wireless its 20 MHz Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum licenses covering 28 million POPs. The $315 million does not include Cox’s 700 MHz spectrum licenses, the company’s Cox Wireless customer accounts or any other assets, the Cox announcement noted.

Separately, Cox and Verizon Wireless will also become agents to sell each other’s residential and commercial products and services through their respective sales channels. Over time, Cox may have the option to sell Verizon Wireless’ services on a wholesale basis.

In addition, Cox said it expects to enter into arrangements with the innovation technology joint venture formed by Verizon Wireless, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks to better integrate wireline and wireless products and services.

Cox announced last month that it would no longer sell its Cox Wireless service, but would continue to provide service to its wireless customers through March 30, 2012 .

RBR-TVBR observation: Spectrum shortage? Verizon seems to be finding quite a bit that is lying fallow.