Verizon buy some Cricket PCS liceses

Verizon buys some Cricket PCS liceses

It seems like almost every week Verizon Wireless is buying _____________ These days. click here for VZW article

Verizon Wireless To Purchase Certain Leap Wireless Spectrum, Network Assets

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless today announced a definitive agreement to purchase from Leap Wireless International, Inc. certain spectrum licenses and network and operating assets for $102.5 million, increasing Verizon Wireless’ capacity in key existing markets and expanding its network into new markets. The companies have also signed an agreement allowing Leap customers to roam on Verizon Wireless’ network.

The purchase transaction is expected to close around the middle of 2005, and is subject to federal regulatory approval.

Verizon Wireless is acquiring 23 spectrum licenses covering a population of eight million people in 20 markets in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and upstate New York.

Several of the licenses are in markets where Verizon Wireless already has licenses, and will be used to expand capacity to meet growing demand for voice and data services. These markets include Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Little Rock, Ark.; Jackson, Miss.; Grand Rapids, Flint, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Mt. Pleasant, Mich.; and Plattsburgh and Watertown, N.Y. The companies will also trade PCS licenses in Buffalo, N.Y. to make more efficient use of the spectrum in that market.

The spectrum licenses also include nine new markets for Verizon Wireless and expansion of four existing markets, adding 2.7 million people to the company’s licensed footprint. These markets include: Battle Creek, Jackson, Traverse City, Adrian, and portions of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Eau Claire, Wis.; Vicksburg and portions of Jackson, Miss.; Fort Smith, Fayetteville and Russellville, Ark.; and portions of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Under the agreement, Leap Wireless also will transfer its operations and approximately 25,000 customers in Battle Creek, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Flint, Mich. to Verizon Wireless.

 

In English

Verizon pays Cricket $102.5 million
Verizon will get 23 PCS licenses from Cricket.
Verizon will also get customers and network in Battle Creek, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Flint, Michigan.
Verizon and Cricket will swap PCS liceses in Buffalo, N.Y
Verizon will get PCS E block and Cricket PCS D block in Buffalo, N.Y.
All other markets Verizon get a license to build a future network to add customers.

Cricket did get a roaming agreement to roam on VZW. :highclap:

 

Re: Verizon buys some Cricket PCS liceses

Currently Verizon's network in MI is the 800 MHz network that New Par built back in the day on Cellular A block. The PCS licenses in MI should give them a network in parts of state that they don't have a network like in Southwest MI.

 

Re: Verizon buys some Cricket PCS liceses

It will have to be appoved by the DOJ so it might take a few months. The local carriers buyouts go quicker because they are in one state and if Verizon has no crossover network or ever operated there only the FCC appoves it. The DOJ waved the Qwest deal since it had no customers going to VZW only spectrum.