Recent Comments:
iPhone 3G and firmware 2.0: the day after {Engadget Mobile}
Jul 12th 2008 7:14PM I couldnt upgrade on thursday until I went to itunes 7.7 on winXP, took me about 2 hours so I feel your pain there, can't comment on the MS exchange because I dont use it, but thought I'd comment about the itunes 7.7 thing since literally no one on thursday was saying it needed to be upgraded to make the change.
iPhone 3G review {Engadget Mobile}
Jul 11th 2008 12:25PM Seriously engadget some of us can't get to the non mobile portion for your blogs from our jobs, you know jobs in the cell phone industry. Now I have to use my iphone to read your review ;p
Sony Ericsson W595 spied? {Engadget Mobile}
Jul 6th 2008 9:15PM See htc regarding x1 manufacturing.
In Soviet Russia, Motorola's MOTOZINE ZN5 reviews you {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 23rd 2008 9:58PM Simpsons Did it.
Verizon's new PTT: presence support, more contacts {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 23rd 2008 6:51PM You're all making us look bad so just get over it, the information is not harming anyone, dont worry about it.
LG Dare on sale June 26? {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 21st 2008 2:10PM 249.99 with 70$ MIR so 179.99 july 3rd in all retail outlets.
Verizon's Palm Centro: June 13 for $199.99? {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 6th 2008 7:43PM IF you already have the 44.99 data plan it is only an additional 15$ to tether, if you do not then you must go to the 44.99 data plan to add the 15$ tether options. Broadband access typically is 59.99/mo wether it is a combo of the previously mentioned two phones or the actually usb card modem price.
Verizon's Palm Centro: June 13 for $199.99? {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 6th 2008 11:23AM The rep is wrong, a company can't force you to keep anything, there is no penalty for adding or removing services even for the advanced device credit. Now they can take the credit away, which is more likely, but we can't make you keep something for 3 months. Even when reps do that as an offer when trying to talk you out of a full rerate, like I'll give you x credit if you keep y plan for z amount of time. the representatives can't do that, something upper management actually frowns on, i've been coached on it lol.
Verizon's Palm Centro: June 13 for $199.99? {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 6th 2008 11:07AM Wrong. Entirely wrong. 1.99 is for regular handsets only. otherwise its $.005/KB for pda/bberrys/smartphones
Verizon "in talks" to buy Alltel for $27 billion {Engadget Mobile}
Jun 5th 2008 10:57AM There was an official announcement from Lowell today to all the VZW employees that the merger papers were signed by both parties, there is a press release available as well:
VERIZON WIRELESS TO ACQUIRE ALLTEL; will Expand Nation’s most Reliable Wireless Network
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Verizon Wireless has entered into an agreement with Alltel Corporation and Atlantis Holdings LLC, an affiliate of private investment firm TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners, to acquire Alltel Corporation in a cash merger.Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).
Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon Wireless will acquire the equity of Alltel for approximately $5.9 billion. Based on Alltel’s projected net debt at closing of $22.2 billion, the aggregate value of the transaction is $28.1 billion.
The parties are targeting completion of the merger by the end of the year, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals.
Once this transaction closes, customers of both companies will have access to an expanded range of products and services, including a premier lineup of basic and advanced devices and an expanded IN Network calling community. Alltel customers also will benefit from advanced services including over-the-air downloadable music from a three-million-song library, and a network that is nationwide, for a uniform coast-to-coast experience. They also will be able to take advantage of industry-leading consumer policies, including Test Drive and Worry Free Guarantee®.
“This move will create an enhanced platform of network coverage, spectrum and customer care to better serve the growing needs of both Alltel and Verizon Wireless customers for reliable basic and advanced broadband wireless services,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer.
Alltel serves more than 13 million customers in markets in 34 states. This includes 57 primarily rural markets that Verizon Wireless does not serve. The transaction puts the Alltel markets and customers on a path to advanced 4th generation services as Verizon Wireless deploys LTE technology throughout its network over the next several years. Alltel’s customers also will reap the benefits of Verizon Wireless’ Open Development initiative, which welcomes third-party devices and services to use the Verizon Wireless network.
Verizon Communications, the owner of the majority stake in Verizon Wireless, expects that the transaction will be immediately accretive, excluding transaction and integration costs. “This is a perfect fit, with Alltel’s high-value post-paid customer base, its solid financials, our common network technology, and significant, readily attainable synergies,” said Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon chief executive officer and chairman of the Verizon board. “Verizon Wireless’ acquisition of Alltel clearly provides opportunities for enhanced value for Verizon shareholders.”
Alltel President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Ford will continue in his current position as head of Alltel until the merger is completed.
“Both Alltel and Verizon Wireless have long track records of delivering a high-quality customer experience in the marketplace,” Ford said. “The combination of our two companies will continue and improve upon that heritage as, together, we can more quickly deliver an expanded range of innovative products and services to our customers.”
Verizon Wireless expects to realize synergies with a net present value, after integration costs, of more than $9 billion driven by reduced capital and operating expense savings. Synergies are expected to generate incremental cost savings of $1 billion in the second year after closing.
Alltel and Verizon Wireless both use a common network technology, which provides advantages of a seamless transition for Alltel customers, ease in integrating the two companies’ networks, and scale efficiencies in operating the larger integrated network.
Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Verizon Wireless on this transaction and is providing bridge financing. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal advisor to Verizon Wireless.
Citibank, Goldman Sachs and RBS advised the sellers on the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor to Alltel, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisors to the sellers.
