T-Mobile and CBS Television Stations on Monday announced the completed repack of New York-based WLNY-TV as the wireless carrier rolls out service on its 600 MHz spectrum holdings.
The carrier said the “accelerated repack” of WLNY-TV’s spectrum would help debut 600 MHz LTE service on Long Island, including portions of Brooklyn and Queens, early next year — well ahead of the August 2019 repack deadline established by the FCC.
“The T-Mobile team is deploying 600 MHz LTE across the country at record pace and we’re laying the foundation for 5G in [New York City] by deploying 600 MHz with 5G-ready gear,” T-Mobile CTO Neville Ray said in a statement.
“We are happy to report the move of WLNY 10/55 to its new frequency was seamless,” said Peter Dunn, president, CBS Television Stations.
T-Mobile acquired billions in 600 MHz spectrum licenses during last year’s FCC auction and previously reached numerous agreements to repack TV stations ahead of schedule.
New York is also one of 30 markets where T-Mobile is building LTE networks that can be upgraded to next-generation 5G service in coming years.