Verizon Wireless closes in on Rural, Alltel deals

Verizon Wireless is aiming for completion of its acquisitions of smaller rivals Rural Cellular and Alltel by the end of this year.

FCC clears Verizon/Rural Cellular deal

US communications regulators yesterday conditionally approved Verizon Wireless’s US$757 million purchase of Rural Cellular but will require one of the companies to sell licenses in six markets in order to improve competition, notes Reuters.