AT&T Takes Over Part of Verizon Wireless In Michigan

Dallas-based AT&T Inc. Wednesday said it had completed its acquisition of wireless assets from Verizon Wireless.

The transaction enhances AT&T's wireless network coverage in primarily rural areas in 79 service areas across 18 states.

To secure regulatory approvals for its purchase of Alltel in 2009, Verizon Wireless agreed to divest the properties.

The transaction extends AT&T's wireless network coverage in primarily rural areas of Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

In Michigan, the territory is in 15 counties in the northwestern area of the Lower Peninsula: Benzie, Gratiot, Isabella, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Osceola, Oceana and Wexford.

Over a period of approximately 12 months, AT&T will launch service on a market-by-market basis as network integration work is completed. For now, there are no changes to customers' phone numbers, rate plans, network coverage, customer service contacts or processes for making monthly bill payments. During network integration, customers will have the opportunity to select a device comparable to their existing device at no additional cost. They may also choose an upgraded handset from AT&T's exciting lineup of industry-leading devices. Existing AT&T customer contracts are not affected.

The company will inform subscribers of changes in advance and said it is committed to making the transition as easy and convenient as possible while working to deliver a high level of service to affected customers.

Under terms of the agreement, AT&T is purchasing the assets for approximately $2.35 billion in cash. The transaction primarily represents former Alltel assets, but it also includes assets from Verizon Wireless and the former Rural Cellular Corp.

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