T-Mobile, MetroPCS To Merge: 4G Implications

T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS have confirmed plans to merge operations to create a 42.5-million-subscriber wireless provider in the U.S.

The deal gives both companies, which will operate as separate units, a big push into 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in the future. Combining T-Mobile and MetroPCS's advanced wireless spectrum (AWS) will provide greater network coverage and a path to at least 20x20 MHz channels of 4G LTE in many cities. Existing MetroPCS customers will be migrated to a common LTE-based network as they upgrade their handsets.

MetroPCS currently has around 19 markets on LTE on much smaller and slower channels. T-Mobile was planning to introduce the faster data service in 2013.

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