FTC clears Verizon acquisition of Alltel, last hurdle crossed

It's already made it past the Department of Justice and the FCC after making a few concessions, and Verizon has now cleared the last major hurdle blocking its acquisition of Alltel, with the Federal Trade Commission today giving the deal its all-important stamp of approval. Unlike the other regulatory agencies, the FTC apparently didn't require that Verizon make any further concessions, and instead simply approved an early termination of their antitrust review and indicated that they had "no objections." For those keeping track, the deal easily pushes Verizon past AT&T to become the largest wireless carrier in the United States and, as we have heard, it'll also likely have the side effect of some job cuts from the Alltel benches.
[Via RCR Wireless]
[Via RCR Wireless]












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DigitalC @ Dec 10th 2008 4:54PM
ROFL! What now CHAD!?
Big Sam @ Dec 10th 2008 7:02PM
I laugh everytime I see the Chad commercials now
Andrew @ Dec 10th 2008 11:10PM
I just went to the alltel website to check if an area had coverage and might be switched over and as soon as i saw Chad's snide face i laughed. i mean what now lol
zyeagle17 @ Dec 11th 2008 4:19AM
-merger information- from alltel website.
You may have heard that some Alltel properties will merge with Verizon Wireless in the near future. We want you to know that as a valued Customer you will continue to receive the same great service you have come to expect from Alltel for the duration of your contract. Additionally, you will see Alltel bring innovation and value to the market as we continue to serve your wireless needs.
Continue to count on benefits that will provide you with the real choices and flexibility required to meet your calling needs:
My Circle — you choose who you call for free, any number on any network
Anytime Plan Changes — change your rate plan whenever you want
America’s Largest Network — giving you coverage across the nation
There is no action required on your part at this time. We invite you to browse alltel.com any time to learn more about new products and services available to you. Remember you can get the most out of your wireless service at www.alltel.com/MyAccount — monitor your usage, add features, view and pay your bill, and much more!
As always, we appreciate your business and look forward to serving your wireless needs.
JustLostTheGame @ Dec 11th 2008 11:43AM
About damn time. I look forward to further bragging rights with my carrier in the near future;)
wingman7000 @ Dec 11th 2008 7:59PM
Does this mean that the Alltell HTC Touch Diamond will work on Verizon?
Steven @ Dec 15th 2008 3:55AM
Will there be any changes to the Verizon contract for existing users? I'm trying to get out of my contract, and it would be nice if there was a change that would allow me to terminate the contract.
Georgette @ Dec 19th 2008 8:48PM
you are so beautiful
Main Man Dave @ Dec 20th 2008 12:28PM
It means all of you alltel customers will be "grandfathered" and your rateplans essentially left out to pasture. The only way you'll be able to upgrade to newer phones will be to move over to Verizon phones and leave your older (and probably cheaper) rateplans behind.
Alltel set itself up to be bought. That was their current business model.. Big win for the Alltel stakeholders and shareholders and for Verizon. Big loss for Alltel customers if they want to keep their existing service over the long-term.
michiganuser @ Dec 27th 2008 12:34PM
Needless to say that I have been an Alltel customer for over a year and a half and I am NOT pleased at all. I had put down a substantial amount for a security deposit due to my understated 'blemished' credit and since my "service contract" duration has been up with 2 interferences, they have not sent my deposit back like they said they "would" "had" and "will". Isn't anything over $1000 dollars considered grand theft larceny? Does anyone know a site or an advocate to whom helps us little people against the Giant?