T-Mobile USA expands its network

We're likely to see the end of small regional operators this year. T-Mobile USA has reached a plethora of roaming deals with regional operators in what analysts believe is preparation for its acquisition of these players to shore up its spectrum position, which is lagging behind its nationwide competitors. The country's nationwide carriers have been snapping up regional operators to add coverage and capacity, but there are still several GSM regional operators out there with some pretty significant 850 MHz holdings.

T-Mobile's roaming deals increase its network's reach by a hefty 56 percent, mainly through its 850 MHz partnerships, and marks a shift from the company's historic 1.9 GHz-only strategy. In fact, the operator has been seeding its handset mix with phones capable of operating on both 850 MHz and 1.9 GHz.

For more about T-Mobile's roaming deals:
- read this article from The Register