VERIZON WIRELESS IS NOW THE LARGEST US WIRELESS CARRIER

Verizon Wireless has now overtaken AT&T as the largest US wireless carrier. Verizon has officially announced that it has completed the process of acquiring the Alltel Corporation for approximately $5.9 billion. Verizon's proprosal to purchase Alltel was first announced on June 5, 2008. With the completion of this deal, Verizon Wireless's network now covers more than 290 million people and serves more than 83.7 million total customers. Verizon Wireless will divest around 2.1 million customers in the coming months to comply with the requirements ordered by the required by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).