Verizon Seeks Alltel Deal, Challenge to Top Dog AT&T

Wireless companies are in negotiations to cover 80 million customers
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 4, 2008 4:06 PM CDT
Verizon Seeks Alltel Deal, Challenge to Top Dog AT&T
Sun glints off a Verizon store sign in a Portland, Ore., file photo Oct. 30, 2006.    (AP Photo/Don Ryan, file)

Verizon Communications is in negotiations to buy wireless carrier Alltel, a merger that would cover 80 million US subscribers and create the nation's biggest cell-phone company, the Wall Street Journal reports—though the potential $27 billion deal could easily fall through. But if it's consummated, and the feds see no antitrust problems, the new company would surpass AT&T, with 71 million customers, as No. 1. (More Verizon stories.)

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