FCC Approves Verizon Wireless Divestiture

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the divestiture by Verizon Wireless of business units in a number of markets that the FCC required to be divested in connection with Verizon Wireless's acquisition of ALLTEL Corporation.

The FCC authorized a new operator in the U.S. - Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. - to take control of wireless systems in 26 markets in six states. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said the proceeding is "Exhibit A why the Commission must review the way in which it provides guidance and the substance of its guidance to divesting licensees. If the Commission does not take a hard look at how we approach such divestitures, we undoubtedly will squander golden opportunities to open up the wireless landscape to new entrants and small businesses that can provide competition and bring a new spirit to the wireless world."