Metro eyeing Q2 2009 for complete AWS coverage

One of the biggest running stories in the prepaid industry is the AWS spectrum being rolled out by MetroPCS and Leap Wireless. They’re two uncommon players in the prepaid game: They own their own network, yet do not offer postpaid services. Further, they both offer unlimited services, rather than bundles of minutes and messages. The Advanced Wireless Spectrum is in essence their third generation offering, and both have been rolling it out in different markets. While Leap says they want to have all markets rolled out by the end of 2009, Metro is eyeing a bit more aggressive timeline.

They want to get New York, their final and biggest AWS target, up and running by the second quarter of next year. This will follow roll outs in Philadelphia (end of this year) and Boston (first quarter 2009). This will increase their coverage to 100 million people nationwide.

The difference, really, is that Leap acquired a bit more spectrum in the AWS auction, which is why it might take them a bit longer to roll out their services. Leap’s markets include Seattle, Minneapolis, and New Orleans, as well as the “beltway” of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmon, and Virginia Beach.

Eventually Metro hopes to sell only its dual-band AWS-PCS handsets, which can seamlessly switch between the two networks. “By the time we get to the northeast we hope to have our line-up AWS,” says COO Tom Keys.

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