Verizon Wireless Buys Small Operator

The USA based CDMA operator, Verizon Wireless has purchased the operating assets of Mid-Missouri Cellular, which will expand Verizon Wireless' network footprint in seven counties in central Missouri. Financial terms are not being disclosed. The purchase includes Mid-Missouri Cellular's spectrum licenses, 27 cell sites and related network equipment. The acquired licenses cover a population of 198,000 people. In addition, most of Mid-Missouri Cellular's employees have accepted employment with Verizon Wireless.

Mid-Missouri Cellular customers will be notified directly about the purchase in the coming weeks. Verizon Wireless plans to continue serving Mid- Missouri Cellular's 13,500 customers using the existing Mid-Missouri brand name, network and billing system until later this year. At that time, Verizon Wireless will change out Mid-Missouri Cellular's TDMA network and integrate the company's existing CDMA network into Verizon Wireless' advanced nationwide 1xRTT CDMA network, adding capacity and installing high-speed data capabilities.

Prior to this conversion and upgrade, Mid-Missouri Cellular customers will receive a letter from Verizon Wireless explaining their service transition.

"We look forward to providing Verizon Wireless customers in Missouri with this expanded network footprint and welcoming Mid-Missouri Cellular customers to the nation's most reliable network," said Mark Crumpton, regional president, Verizon Wireless.

In Missouri, Verizon Wireless invested more than $64 million in 2005 to expand and enhance its network."

Posted to the site on 10th April 2006