Verizon plans $3.6bn wireless spectrum buy

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.