AT&T planned to acquire Straight Path Communications for $1.6 billion because the company holds licenses to use the high-frequency radio waves, used for the 5G network. Verizon, however, jumped in the negotiations and offered $3.1 billion in stock for the company. AT&T declined to match the offer, effectively passing the opportunity.
Straight Path started acquiring wireless spectrum 15 years ago, and currently holds 735 mmWave licenses in the 39 GHz band and 133 licenses in the 28 GHz band. These licenses cover areas around the United States, including all of the top 40…