Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:34 pm
Germany's Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile USA, is in talks with Clearwire and MetroPCS about gaining access to spectrum, so it can expand its 4G network.
The Bonn-based company is looking for the most cost-effective way to build nationwide networks using high-speed technology.
MetroPCS and Clearwire each own airwaves suitable for 4G networks, which can provide faster service for Web-equipped phones than their predecessors.
T-Mobile's, which has yet to announce a 4G expansion plan, has seen customer gains slow down in five of the past six quarters. Meanwhile larger rivals Verizon and AT&T have already begun upgrading their systems.
Sprint, which owns 51 percent of Clearwire, is also involved in negotiations.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Deutsche Telekom was considering a bid for Sprint in a deal that could merge both struggling businesses into one to better compete against Verizon and AT&T.
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