Edge Wireless, AT&T Wireless to launch of wireless venture

AT&T Wireless and Edge Wireless Communications, LLC have worked out a definitive agreement creating a venture to provide mobile wireless services to rural markets in four western states and the launch of their first PCS system in Idaho. The venture, Edge Wireless Communications, LLC, will be headquartered in Bend, Oregon, and will roll out PCS networks in Idaho, Oregon, California and Wyoming. The company will be controlled and managed on a day-to-day basis by a group of wireless industry veterans led by Wayne Perry.

"We believe wireless communications should not be limited by geographic area," said Bill Hague, senior vice president, mergers and acquisitions for AT&T Wireless. "Edge Wireless will help rural communities receive the same benefits already received by more than 100 million wireless users in the United States."

Edge Wireless has launched its first PCS system in eastern Idaho, covering Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg and plans to launch the rest of its network in the coming months. It has 11 1900 MHz licenses in markets covering over 1.2 million pops and is building a TDMA-based system to provide mobile wireless services to communications customers in those markets. The company has chosen Nortel as its primary network equipment provider.

The venture is funded by cash equity contributions by the partners and has raised $130 million in syndicated senior secured debt.

"Our goal is to provide subscribers in our markets with a level of service that many rural subscribers aren't able to obtain from other providers," said Donnie Castleman, president and COO of Edge Wireless. "And our system is designed to give those who roam on our systems the same look and feel and functionality as they would find on an AT&T Wireless network." Edge Wireless customers will have full roaming privileges in AT&T's national footprint.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online