AWS Mobile Network Operators
The AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum is a critical frequency band used by mobile network operators to provide high-speed data and voice services. By utilizing these bands, carriers can enhance network capacity and coverage, supporting technologies ranging from UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), a third-generation mobile cellular system, to LTE (Long Term Evolution), the standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile devices.
Across the Americas, various operators have integrated AWS into their infrastructure to meet growing consumer demand for mobile broadband. The deployment varies by region, with some carriers using it as their primary network and others utilizing it as a supplementary layer for LTE services.
Key Facts
- T-Mobile US was an early adopter, launching in New York City on May 1, 2008.
- In Canada, operators like Vidéotron Mobile and Freedom Mobile have used AWS for primary UMTS and LTE services.
- AWS deployment is widespread across Latin America, including major markets like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.
- Verizon Wireless began its AWS rollout in New York City during the fall of 2013.
AWS Deployment in North America
United States
The United States has seen extensive AWS adoption. T-Mobile US launched its services in New York City in May 2008, followed shortly by MetroPCS in Las Vegas on March 31, 2008. Other significant operators utilizing this spectrum include Verizon Wireless, which began its rollout in New York City in late 2013, as well as AT&T Mobility, Cricket Wireless, and regional providers like Big River Telephone in Missouri, AWN Alaska, and Mosaic Telecom.
Canada
Canadian operators utilize AWS across different technical standards. Vidéotron Mobile launched its primary UMTS network in Montreal and Québec City on September 9, 2010. Freedom Mobile operates both UMTS and LTE, with a primary launch on December 16, 2009, and further expansion in Toronto in 2016. Eastlink Wireless also established a primary network in Halifax in February 2013.
Several major carriers use AWS exclusively for LTE services, including Rogers Wireless (July 2011), Bell Mobility (November 2011), Telus Mobility (February 2012), MTS Wireless (September 2012), and SaskTel Wireless (January 2013).
Mexico
Mexico's AWS landscape includes Nextel Mexico (September 2012) and Telcel (November 2012). AT&T joined in September 2015, while Movistar launched in September 2014 before migrating to B2/PCS 1900MHz.
AWS Deployment in Central America and the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, operators such as FLOW and Digicel have implemented AWS. In Antigua and Barbuda, FLOW launched in November 2014. In Jamaica, FLOW launched in December 2016, followed by Digicel in 2019. Trinidad and Tobago also sees AWS usage via Digicel (August 2019) and bmobile (November 2022). In the Dominican Republic, Claro República Dominicana launched in July 2014.
AWS Deployment in South America
South American nations have integrated AWS to bolster mobile connectivity. In Argentina, Movistar and Personal both launched in December 2014, followed by Claro Argentina in June 2015. Colombia has seen deployments from Tigo-ETB and Movistar in December 2013 across major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, with WOM Colombia launching in August 2014.
Other regional deployments include:
- Chile: Nextel Chile (April 2012 to June 2015), WOM Chile, and VTR Chile (both July 2015).
- Ecuador: CNT EP launched in fall 2013 in Guayaquil and Quito.
- Paraguay: VOX Copaco (February 2012), Tigo Paraguay, and CLARO (assigned 1700/2100 AWS spectrum in 2015).
- Peru: Entel Perú and Movistar Perú.
- Uruguay: Antel (2013).
- Venezuela: Movistar (February 2015) and Movilnet (January 2017).
Summary of AWS Operator Launches
| Country | Operator | Launch Date | Primary City/Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | T-Mobile US | May 1, 2008 | New York City |
| Canada | Vidéotron Mobile | September 9, 2010 | Montreal & Québec City |
| Mexico | Nextel Mexico | September 2012 | National |
| Argentina | Movistar | December 2014 | National |
| Colombia | Tigo - ETB | December 2013 | Bogotá, Medellín, et al. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AWS in the context of mobile networks?
AWS refers to Advanced Wireless Services, a specific set of frequency bands used by mobile operators to provide voice and data services, including UMTS and LTE technologies.
Which US carriers use AWS?
Major US carriers using AWS include T-Mobile US, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, MetroPCS, and Cricket Wireless, among others.
How is AWS used differently in Canada?
In Canada, some operators like Vidéotron and Freedom Mobile use AWS for primary UMTS/LTE services, while others, such as Rogers, Bell, and Telus, use it specifically for LTE.
When did AWS launch in the Caribbean?
Launches varied by country; for example, FLOW launched in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2014 and in Jamaica in December 2016.
Which South American countries utilize AWS?
AWS is utilized in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.