Cell One/Alltel Merger, How is it going?

[NokiaKrazy]

I haven't heard when this merger was going to take place. Anybody know the latest or details? I'm a Cell One Western Wireless customer and haven't heard much lately.

[Sprint PCS 411]

Originally Posted by NokiaKrazy I haven't heard when this merger was going to take place. Anybody know the latest or details? I'm a Cell One Western Wireless customer and haven't heard much lately.

Here is a link that may help you out. http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=654406

[agentHibby]

Thanks Yahoo!Man

[MOTOhooligan]

The Securities and Exchange Commission approved the Alltel buyout of Western Wireless dba CellularONE on Friday, June 24th (or, it was announced on that date, anyway.) The FCC and DOJ have yet to approve the buyout but they should soon. I would expect the government to be done approving the merger by late July or early August and then the actual merger of the two companies should begin. It shouldn't really take too long, either.

[MOTOhooligan]

DOJ approved on 7/6/05
FCC approved today... read the statement

[agentHibby]

FCC has given the thumbs up
Here is an article

Originally Posted by Reuters UPDATE 2-US FCC clears Alltel purchase of Western Wireless Mon Jul 11, 2005 06:06 PM ET (Adds byline, 911 service concerns, shareholder vote) By Jeremy Pelofsky WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) - Alltel Corp. (AT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday won approval from U.S. communications regulators to acquire rural wireless carrier Western Wireless Corp. (WWCA.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on the condition they divest certain assets in 16 markets. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said it unanimously agreed to permit the deal on the condition Alltel sell Western Wireless customers, infrastructure and wireless airwaves in markets in three states: Arkansas, Kansas and Nebraska. In cases where Alltel does not have automatic roaming agreements, the company was barred from preventing its customers from choosing to roam on other available wireless networks unless a subscriber specifically requests that option be blocked, according to the FCC. "This action will ensure that consumers continue to receive the benefits of competition, such as lower prices and higher quality service," Republican FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said in a statement. The divestiture requirement mirrors conditions imposed by the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division, which approved the roughly $4.3 billion transaction last week. Alltel will also assume about $1.5 billion in debt as part of the deal. Alltel provides a variety of communications services to more than 13 million residential and business customers in 27 states. Western Wireless has about 1.23 million customers in 19 U.S. states and about 1.67 million subscribers in 10 nations. Mobile operators in the fiercely competitive U.S. market are combining to cut costs and boost marketing clout amid falling call prices and a declining number of potential first-time wireless customers. The approval came despite concerns that the companies would not meet a Dec. 31 deadline for 95 percent of its customers' wireless handsets being able to locate a caller in an emergency, potentially missing the deadline by two years. The FCC said it would address the issue in a larger context. "I am disappointed that we do not do more today to ensure compliance with our public safety deadline," said Democrat Commissioner Michael Copps. Western Wireless shareholders are slated to vote on the proposed acquisition on July 29. "This transaction should provide Alltel with the opportunity to deliver greater value, innovation and service to our customers across the country," Alltel President and Chief Executive Scott Ford said in a statement. The agency is also considering another major acquisition in the wireless industry, Sprint Corp.'s (FON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) proposed purchase of Nextel Communications Inc. (NXTL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) FCC staff have recommended approval of that deal as well, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters last week. It was not immediately known if the staff also suggested conditions.

Only question I have is this
In cases where Alltel does not have automatic roaming agreements, the company was barred from preventing its customers from choosing to roam on other available wireless networks unless a subscriber specifically requests that option be blocked, according to the FCC.

I take it that if Alltel does National Freedom plans with no roaming charges. They will have to get consent of the owner to know they can't roam on certain providers??

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by agentHibby FCC has given the thumbs up

That's totally what I said, dude!

[Andy]

He was just so happy that he wanted to post the article

[MOTOhooligan]

I was bored at work so I made these...

[Shizam76]

Originally Posted by rancidhooligan I was bored at work so I made these...

LoL....I really like the Alltelular One

[agentHibby]

don't let the DOJ here you say that because Alltel is not allowed to have the Cellular One name.

[MOTOhooligan]

Originally Posted by Shizam76 LoL....I really like the Alltelular One

Yeah, that's my favorite, too.

Originally Posted by agentHibby don't let the DOJ here you say that because Alltel is not allowed to have the Cellular One name.

I know, it's going into a trust and will probably end up with Dobson.