AT&T has agreed to acquire spectrum in the 700 MHz B band from Verizon Wireless for $1.9 billion in cash and Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) spectrum licenses in several markets, including Phoenix, Ariz., Los Angeles and Fresno, Calif. and Portland, Ore.

Mobile broadband solutions provider, Tekelec has announced that its Policy Server (PCRF) has been deployed by KT (South Korea) for its LTE and 3G networks.  Tekelec’s Policy Server will support KT’s VoLTE offering, LTE data plans and Rich Communication Suite (RCS) service.

Warsaw-based LTE/LTE-Advanced IPR provider IS-Wireless has acquired funds for research on 5G radio interfaces. The funding is done through participation in 5GNOW European research project under the 7th Framework Program of EU.

UK’s 4G spectrum auction is now under way with seven bidders who are competing to acquire new LTE frequencies. The bidders are Everything Everywhere,  HKT (UK) Company, Hutchison 3G UK, MLL Telecom, Niche Spectrum Ventures (a subsidiary of BT Group plc), Telefónica UK, and Vodafone.

Japan's mobile operator NTT DOCOMO has unveiled its 2013 spring lineup of 12 models that will launch in sequence beginning on January 25. The lineup includes 11 smartphones and tablets, plus one mobile Wi-Fi router. The models feature upgraded versions of numerous popular functions introduced in the 2012 winter lineup.

Estonian mobile operator Tele2 has extended its LTE network to Tartu in addition to Tallinn and its surrounding area. Operator expects to build new 4G base stations all over Estonia in the coming years and plans to increase its LTE coverage further this year, to Narva and Kohtla-Jarve. 

Huawei partnered with Dialog's fixed broadband service arm Dialog Broadband Networks (DBN) to launch an LTE TDD network in Sri Lanka. The first of the network's two phases was completed on December 31, currently providing coverage in the capital Colombo, 

Mobile service provider Telenor has signed a three-year strategic cooperation framework contract with Huawei for IP microwave technologies. Under the contract, Huawei's second generation E-Band and full outdoor (FO) microwave will be widely deployed.

Sprint is building 4G LTE network in 28 additional cities within its nationwide 3G footprint and plans to launch LTE services in these markets in coming months. During the pre-launch phase, Sprint customers with capable devices may begin to see 4G LTE coverage in these areas and can use the network even before it officially launches. 

Nokia Siemens Networks has announced that company launched a LTE network for U.S. Cellular and its partner, King Street Wireless, in 11 markets covering select cities in Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Nokia Siemens Networks was selected by U.S.

US carrier C Spire Wireless customers will soon start offering LTE broadband services in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Philadelphia will be the 33rd Mississippi market to receive C Spire’s advanced 4G LTE services since the initial rollout began in September 2012. 

Estonian mobile service has launched 4G smartphones on its LTE Network. Operator has been already offering LTE services to modems and routers users since last two years. New Internet Package "EMT Internet Phones 4G" 4G phones will allow owners to use their phones with 4G data capability.

Verizon Wireless LTE network now covers 473 markets. Earlier this week, operator launched LTE network in Keen & Lebanon in New Hampshire.  Verizon Wireless also has further expanded its LTE network in some New Hampshire communities.