The US Federal Communications Commission has given its approval to the AT&T's purchase of 700MHz spectrum from Qualcomm, which will allow it to expand its 4G LTE network and add capacity to ease congestion on its network.

The approval comes after AT&T announced its decision to move away from the approved takeover of T-Mobile USA aid opposition fro regulatory bodies. The approval comes much sooner than expected as the FCC had earlier said that it would take 180 days from 29 November to announce its decision.

The approval is seen as consolation for the telecom service provider after it failed to acquire T-Mobile and create the largest telecom service provider in the country. The approval for purchase comes with a condition that AT&T will protect against interference and allow customers from rival networks to use its network while roaming on different circles.

The agreement for the purchase of airwaves will take affect from by the end of the year. AT&T ha said that it has reached an agreement with Qualcomm to acquire spectrum licenses in the 700MHz frequency band in a deal valued at $1.925 billion in 2010.

Qualcomm was using the spectrum to offer its FLO TV service, which is now discontinued by the company.