Verizon to purchase 20 PCS licenses in six states from Alltel

As part of its national strategy to continue expanding its footprint, Verizon Wireless has signed an agreement to acquire 20 PCS licenses in six states from Alltel. The 20 markets have more than 11.4 million potential customers (POPS.) Financial details were not disclosed, and the companies expect to close the agreement in the first quarter of 2001.

The acquisition of the un-built 10 MHz licenses will help expand the carrier's footprint, which currently covers about 90% of the U.S. population, as well as help increase spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for wireless services. The new licenses will grow the Verizon Wireless footprint by about 2 million POPS and increase spectrum in current service areas totaling about 9 million POPS.

Markets covered by the licenses are:
Athens, Atlanta, Gainesville, Macon, and Rome, GA; Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, and Sedalia, MO; Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Memphis, TN; Anniston, Decatur, Florence, Gadsden, and Huntsville, AL; Lawrence, KS; and Miami, OK.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online