FCC Approves Verizon-Alltel Merge!

Here's an update to the series of post on the Verizon-Alltel merge. In my last post, I bloggged about the decision of the US Department of Justice to allow Verizon Wireless to buy Alltel as long as the wireless network operator complies with the requirements. The Verizon-Alltel merge takes another step towards completion with the blessing of the FCC.

The FCC commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the Verizon-Alltel merge after it had been approved by the DOJ. The FCC has many considerations to look into during this Verizon-Alltel merge meeting including the complaints raised by regional wireless network operators and consumer groups. Regional wireless network operators have appealed against the Verizon-Alltel merge because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity.

However, the FCC commissioners in charge of the Verizon-Alltel merge voted unanimously in favor of the deal. Five FCC commissioners voted to allow the Verizon-Alltel merge. Verizon Wireless must fulfill some conditions before it can fully acquire Alltel. For example, the FCC requires that Verizon Wireless must honor Alltel's existing roaming agreements with other wireless network operators for four years. The major wireless network operator must also divest spectrum in 22 states to complete the Verizon-Alltel merge.

Well, I think that this Verizon-Alltel merge approval is a victory for Verizon Wireless. With the Verizon-Alltel merge approval of the FCC, Verizon is one step closer to being the largest wireless network in the United States. Tune in to this blog to get more of the latest news and updates on the Verizon-Alltel merge and other news on wireless network operators and new cellphones.

Verizon's Alltel Acquisition Approved by the DOJ

A few daya ago, I posted about the regional wireless network operators that opposes the Verion-Alltel Union because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity. But I've just found out that the DOJ has given its blessing on Verizon Wireless acquisition of Alltel Wireless.

According to PhoneScoop, the US Department of Justice has approved Verizon Wireless's purchase of Alltel Wireless for $28 billion. However, the wireless network operator must divest its wireless assets in 100 markets encompassing 22 states.

Here is a list of states with wireless network assets that Verizon need to divest in order to acquire Alltel Wireless:

North Dakota
South Dakota
Colorado
Georgia
Kansas
Montana
South Carolina
Utah
Wyoming
Alabama
Arizona
California
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Virginia


Of course, the DOJ's approval doesn't mean that the Verizon Wireless and Alltel Wireless union is complete. The FCC will meet on Nov. 4 to vote for the approval of this controversial wireless network acquisition. Let's see if the FCC will heed the appeal of the regional wireless network operators that opposes the Verizon-Alltel Union because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity.

If the FCC rule in favor of the Verizon Wireless- Alltel union then the commission will probably call for wireless divestitures similar to those made by the DOJ. If all goes well, then Verizon Wireless will merge with Alltel Wireless to become the biggest wireless network operator in the US.

Tune in to this blog for more news on wireless network operators and other wireless related news.