Verizon Wireless is to expand its coverage with a $3.6bn wireless spectrum purchase from a group which includes Comcast, Time Warner and BrightHouse.

Verizon said that the deal allows the company to add headroom for its wireless broadband networks.

"Spectrum is the raw material on which wireless networks are built, and buying the AWS spectrum now solidifies our network leadership into the future, and will enable us to bring even better 4G LTE products and services to customers," said Verizon president and chief executive Don Mead.

"American businesses and consumers can have confidence that the best wireless network has the foundational resources to deliver on that promise."

Spectrum has become a hot topic among wireless carriers. The US government is looking to expand availability of spectrum space for wireless broadband networks by opening up the former television broadcast spectrum.

Verizon's acquisition also comes as AT&T is fighting for a deal which could change the face of US telecommunications. The company is having to fight off challenges to its proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA  from the Department of Justice and the US Federal Communications Commission.

The US hasn't always had the best history when it comes to wireless networking technology.

From the use of CDMA networks to slow uptake of 3G broadband, those of us in the States often lag behind when it comes to the latest and greatest in mobile technology. So anytime a major carrier launches a new network technology, it is good news.

AT&T is to go live this weekend with an LTE wireless broadband network in five US cities, with plans to expand to 15 cities in the coming months. The network will cover some 70 million people, the company estimates.

That number is still a minority of the US population, and those in rural or isolated areas still won't be getting coverage any time soon, but getting the major metropolitan areas covered is a good start.

And those of you who like rumours and speculation should also note that the rollout comes just weeks before Apple is believed to be introducing the next version of the iPhone, which is rumoured to include, among other things, LTE connectivity.