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.

Wireless Networks Reviews part One

I have made several post on this blog that offers information on how users feel about certain mobile phones.These reviews were offered by users who posted them on the Internet. Now, I thought it would be interesting to offer a review of wireless networks or mobile phone providers.

Let us begin with Verizon Wireless. Sources on the web describe this wireless network as having the top score in call quality. This means that the subscribers of Verizon Wireless suffer from less drop calls and enjoy great calling experience.

This network is also known for being able to serve a wide range of customers. Verizon offers services that are suitable for corporate customers and non business subscribers. Many sources also credit this wireless carrier for the discount packages it offers to customers.

Since no company is perfect, Verizon has also been criticized for its shortcomings. The wireless network has been chastised for having poor coverage in some areas. Some customers have complained that the network has sub par performance in their location.

Some observers also had commented that Verizon wireless plans are more expensive than most wireless networks. Perhaps they feel that the quality service that the carrier provide does not justify the high cost.

Let us move on to US Cellular. This carrier is known for being the top regional wireless network. This company is credit as providing good customer service to their subscribers. The company takes pride in making their customers feel that their needs will be satisfied.

US Cellular also receive points for the extras they provide on their services. This is also a contributing factor in the company's reputation of providing commendable customer service. Extras and discounts are a good tool for making customers feel that they have received more than their money's worth.

Unfortunately, this wireless network also has its share of criticisms. Some say that the price of their services is also high. Compared with other networks, this company's plans have similar or higher price tags.

Since US Cellular is a regional carrier, its network is limited. It can only provide services in 26 states and most of them are in the Midwest. This can be a problem for customers who have friends and family in states not served by US Cellular. They make be charged for roaming fees when they contact them.

Let us finish this first part with a review of AT&T. This wireless network is considered as one of the giants of the mobile phone industry. With more than sixty million customers, this company has a lot of clout in the industry.

AT&T offers great service and provides good calling quality. The wireless network would not be able to maintain millions of customers if it offers poor service and great products. This carrier offers unique services that are unmatched by other networks. Mobile phone customers subscribe to AT&T because of the great and unique options available.

The company's ability to offer the best and the latest mobile phone products is also a factor in the company's dominance in the industry. Nothing attract customers more than the temptation of being able to get the latest and hottest handsets. The Apple iPhone for example, pulls a massive number of customers to the network.

Nevertheless, the company has also received complaints from dissatisfied customers and reviewers. One of the recurring complaints that are hurled at the network is the delay in voice message delivery. many customers experienced that the voice messages they send are not received by the intended recipient at the expected time.

Some customers have also complained that the company does not treat customers well. The quality of the company's customer service have been questioned. The attitude of the AT&T's service representatives have been the cause of many complaints.

Well, that's it for now. I didn't expect my post to be this long. Judging by the length of this one, two more post may be required to cover other wireless networks. I hope this post will be able to provide you with useful information.

Verizon Wireless Network News

Verizon Establishes New Wireless Network in Virginia

The most reliable Wireless network in the US, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone has made the announcement on the completion of a wireless high-speed broadband network to the Fredericksburg, Virginia area.

The network coverage area extends locally throughout the Fredericksburg area. Within it's coverage is the Rt. 95 corridor from Massaponax north to DC and the Rt. 17 corridor from Corbin to Warrenton.

Verizon Wireless new broadband network is based on CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. This wireless network technology mat be able offers data uplink speeds substantially faster than Verizon's national EV-DO network.

Customers may now have access to Verizon's business data service, thanks to the newly built nertwork. Services such which offers average download speeds of 600kb/s to 1.4Mb/s and average upload speeds of 500-800kb/s are now available to those who reside in the area.



FiOS TV Now Available in Two More New York Communities

Verison Wireless has continued to expand its industry-leading
FiOS TV service and has brought it's innovative, reliable and competitive alternative to cable TV is coming to more New York consumers. The FiOS TV service can now be provided on the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to homes in New York.

Currently, orders for FiOS TV in parts of the Long Island village of Mill Neck and the Westchester County village of Buchanan are now being taken. More than 130 New York communities are now enjoying this technology through cable franchises that have been approved in many parts of the state.

Interested consumers can check online to see if
FiOS TV service is already available in their area. They can also try request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV becomes available. Local Verizon sales office can also provide information on how the product can be availed.

The Most Reliable US Wireless Network

The profitable wireless phone business has given rise to highly successful wireless carriers and networks. The lucrative business has produced intense competition among this companies and has resulted in a vast collection of quality cell phones, plans and other merchandise. Among these wireless carriers, Verizon Wireless claims to offer the most reliable service on the best wireless voice and data network of the United States.

I have to say that it is a bold claim since there are other excellent wireless companies who are also offering excellent service. Verison Wireless claim of being the most reliable network is actually based on network studies. These studies were performed by real-life test men and test women who inspired the company's national advertising campaign.

Every year, these engineers conduct more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' and other national wireless carriers' networks. These specialists travel in specially equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles on nearly 1 million miles of the most frequently traveled roadways nationwide in order to collect data for the test.

The tests are done primarily to ensure that the network meets high call quality standards. To do this, each voice call is tabulated on computers inside the test vehicle as either a successful call, an ineffective attempt or a lost call. The same method applies for file downloads, uploads and web browsing. The tests conducted are classified based upon the ability to establish data session and the ability to complete the task. The engineers download the test results onto computers at Verizon's network test centers for compilation and analysis once all the test vehicles complete their routes.


The results of the tests were favorable for Verizon Wireless. It consistently showed that in major metropolitan centers and some remote areas the rate of ineffective attempts for the Verizon Wireless national network is lower than any other national carrier. Voice calls that connect on the Verizon's network are more likely to stay connected for the duration of the call according to the test results.

The data network reliability test results also establish that Verizon Wireless has the nation's most reliable wireless broadband network. Verizon Wireless' ability to set up data sessions and complete large file downloads and uploads at a greater rate of success than its national competitors is one of the strongest proof to this claim.