siromega

I do think Sprint has the worst spectrum deficiency of the big four (T-Mo solved this problem by getting the AWS from AT&T and buying MPCS). I did propose giving Sprint 100MHz of TD-LTE spectrum in the 2.5GHz range. Its not like I would want them to suffer with nothing. The more pressure they (and T-Mo) put on Verizon and AT&T, the better. I just don't think they should be able to warehouse nearly all the BRS/EBS spectrum (on a MHz-POP basis) that could be used by others -- apparently, the Clearwire proxy statement released this week said that AT&T was close to becoming a partner with Clearwire, but instead decided to go with WCS in early 2012 -- my opinion that they weren't put off by the spectrum quality/properties, but rather having to do business with Clearwire, if they could acquire 40MHz of 2.5GHz spectrum independent of Clearwire I think they would have done that. Sprint isn't helpless (well, once the merger closes), they could buy Leap, and then trade Leap's AWS spectrum with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mo for their surplus PCS spectrum, PCS intra-band swaps, and cash. T-Mo and Verizon would be able to put that AWS spectrum to use, while AT&T would probably just sit on it until it needs another bargaining chip at the negotiating table.