AT&T Gives iPhone Users What They Want: More Bandwidth

iPhone users rejoice?

AT&T Inc. (T) is buying 24 wireless spectrum licenses from Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) co-founder Paul Allen to boost capacity on its mobile data network.

AT&T recently has come under fire for not having enough bandwidth for its 9 million iPhone users, who eat up 20 times more capacity than other smartphone users. That’s led to glacially slow downloading, texting, surfing and even app use.

The licenses cover most of Oregon and Washington and include the 700MHz C-Block, which penetrates buildings and blankets large areas.

AT&T’s purchase price wasn’t disclosed, as Allen’s Vulcan Spectrum firm is privately held. The FCC still must approve the deal.