MetroPCS is going to be putting to good use that massive chunk of AWS spectrum it won in the 2006 AWS auction. They have already began to deploy AWS markets, and already have several AWS compatible devices. MetroPCS has said that in one years time, they will only sell handsets that support are dual band AWS/PCS, CDMA flavored AWS and PCS to be more exact.

The goal is for subscribers to be able to roam between the AWS and PCS networks that MetroPCS manages without any hassle. MetroPCS has a lot of AWS spectrum to use, so this seamless roaming capability will allow MetroPCS to expand its national footprint exponentially. MetroPCS is launching a new market in New York City soon, and other ares in the North East as well. By then, they are hoping to have the integration of AWS completed.

AWS refers to the 1700MHz band, while PCS refers to the 1900MHz band. Carriers like T-Mobile, Leap Wireless, and MetroPCS, all bought AWS licenses in the 2006 auction. AWS has only recently began to be deployed, and carriers are still waiting for manufacturers to add the 1700MHz support to their devices. With the rapid deployment of AWS though, it will not be a long wait before many devices have the added support for this frequency.

[Via Telephony Online]