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After the AWS spectrum auction in September 2006, and the 700 MHz auction earlier this year, it was thought that most of the usable 3G spectrum had been taken. While the FCC is looking into various new bands of spectrum, it faces controversy. Then, in late April, we learned that a company called NextWave controlled some spectrum that would be attractive to existing carriers. Today, we learn that T-Mobile has won the largest chunk of licenses, paying out $97.5 million.

These licenses cover mostly smaller markets. This is good for T-Mobile, which has planned the roll out of its 3G network around urban areas. The acquisition will allow them to penetrate secondary markets in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and California.

MetroPCS, a regional prepaid carrier which offers unlimited calling plans for a flat monthly rate, was one of three companies to win additional licenses in Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Alaska, Georgia, and Florida. The company has been rolling out service in markets it acquired in the September 2006 AWS auction. The most recent was Philadelphia, and it is working on networks in Boston and New York City.

While this likely won’t introduce any new competition to the market, this benefits consumers in that two weaker cell companies just got a bit stronger. While they’re not even close to the levels of behemoths Verizon and AT&T (duh), the newly acquired spectrum will allow them to provide better service to a larger number of customers. Hey, every little bit helps.

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