Windows Phone Thoughts: Verizon Purchases Alltel and Becomes Largest US Wireless Provider

"Verizon Wireless has agreed to acquire Alltel from the private equity firms that currently own the nation's fifth-largest national wireless provider. Verizon Wireless will acquire Alltel's assets, including 13 million customers and coverage in 57 markets where it has no presence, as well as Alltel's debt. The merged companies will surpass AT&T's 71 million customers to become the nation's largest provider of wireless goods and services with 80 million customers. The move will greatly expand the regions where Alltel's customers can roam without incurring fees, and also gives Verizon's customers greater freedoms in the rural markets where Verizon previously had no coverage. The merger should be completed by the end of 2008, depending on the required regulatory approvals."



I have used Verizon's network for several years. One of it's real strengths when I travel, is coverage in major cities. However, when I visit family in more rural locations, the coverage can be pretty poor, or even non-existent. Hopefully the merger with Alltel will provide greater saturation for the combined company. As always, your mileage may vary, especially since Alltel seems to have a reputation for very "hopeful" coverage area maps. According to a BetaNews story, one natural fit between the two companies, besides the CMDA standard, is that both are already working on LTE "fourth generation services".