During a press conference, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) discussed the acquisition of T-Mobile USA. AT&T has an interest in increasing their 700MHz Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum with T-Mobile’s 1700 MHz advanced wireless service (AWS). This would help AT&T deploy the company’s LTE to 95% of the population in America. T-Mobile uses the AWS spectrum for their 3G services. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said that the acquisition would help the FCC achieve the National Broadband’s goal of rural broadband availability. [Engadget]

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) CEO Ralph de la Vega provided us with an update on the company’s 4G network development at the CES conference in Las Vegas. The company followed up the keynote with a press release that I’ve attached below. Below are some of the highlights from Vega’s keynote:
- AT&T plans to launch LTE later this year and complete deployment by 2013.
- AT&T HSPA+ is already known for giving 4G-like speeds. This is already deployed across 100% of AT&T’s network.
- AT&T will launch 20 new 4G devices this year, which include mobile phones, modems, and MiFi devices.
- Vega mentioned that companies like Apple will be one of a few manufacturers launching “4G” devices this year.
- The first LTE tablets will be coming this year.
- About 12 new Android devices will be coming this year on AT&T.
- BlackBerry Torch and Windows Phone 7 sales have been doing well on their network.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) wants to remain the exclusive seller of the Apple iPhone.  AT&T wants to extend the deal with Apple until 2011.  Their contract expires in 2010 and AT&T hit a goldmine with the Apple partnership.  A source with the WSJ stated that AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson is in discussions with Apple to extend the deal.

Even if Apple does not renew their contract, Stephenson stated that AT&T will invest in wireless technology.  Two thirds of their capital will be spent on wireless network investments and acquisitions over the next five years.

So far AT&T spent $18.8 billion on radio spectrums and cellphone companies.  For iPhone discounts, AT&T spent $1.3 billion.  Even last year, AT&T considered making an offer for Reliance Communications in India, but the company was asking for $30 billion.

“This business cycle is going to cycle,” stated Mr. Stephenson. “You got to make sure that you’re positioned when it cycles back out to be the leader in the industry, and to do that you have to be the leader in mobility, first and foremost.”

[via WSJ]