The fifth mobile operator in Spain, Aire Networks has acquired the entire 4G LTE block of 2.6 GHz spectrum from Orange to expand its network of high-speed mobile broadband throughout the country. The deal is part of Orange's forced divestment of its spectrum licenses acquired via its purchase of Jazztel, as required by Spain's National Commission of Market Competition (CNMC). Aire Networks offers 4G services under its own MVNO brand, Ion Mobile and also acts as a wholesale provider to operators and other MVNOs.
The operator has started the deployment of 4G LTE two years ago in Extremadura, and later in Valencia. With the spectrum acquisition the operator plans to intensify the rollout of 4G services beginning March this year and plans to cover more than 500 municipalities in the country.
