Leap asks FCC to ban Verizon-Alltel purchase

Leap Wireless has asked the Federal Communications Commission to refuse permission for the Verizon Wireless' $28.1 billion plan to buy Alltel and become the No. 1 U.S. mobile service. Leap said risks include less competition and difficulties creating roaming agreements that allow customers of one carrier to use another's services when traveling outside their home network coverage area. Leap has roaming pacts with both Verizon Wireless and Alltel, the leading rural U.S. mobile provider for certain parts of the country. But Laurie Itkin, Leap's government affairs director, said unless the FCC sets rules requiring nationwide roaming agreements, a Verizon and Alltel deal could leave Leap users without service in some places.