Verizon Says It Has No Need for Large Spectrum Acquisitions

Verizon Communications Inc. said Tuesday it has no need to make large spectrum acquisitions after winning $10.4 billion of licenses in a U.S. auction of wireless licenses that closed last month.

Verizon's haul came in third behind rival AT&T Inc. and wireless newcomer Dish Network Corp., prompting speculation it may need to do a deal to bulk up its holdings of airwaves.

Verizon said it has no need to make a large purchase in the near term. The company said it might look at opportunities to buy spectrum when it comes available in the secondary market, but said it would focus on technology that makes more efficient use of spectrum given the soaring cost.

The company said it would also consider leasing spectrum from others, and it would keep an eye on the 2.5 gigahertz airwaves Sprint Corp. has said it has thought about selling. Verizon said it would also look to making use of unlicensed spectrum--airwaves that are open to all users.

The most recent U.S. auction drew a record of nearly $45 billion in bids, more than double the result of the last big auction in 2008. The results highlighted the rising demand for spectrum as wireless Internet traffic soars and new bidders like Dish enter the fray.

Write to Ryan Knutson at [e-mail]

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