Verizon Wireless consumes Golden State Cellular and Mobi PCS

Verizon Wireless is expanding the reach of its LTE network in California and Hawaii via new deals with two small carriers, Golden State Cellular in California and Mobi PCS in Hawaii.

Under the terms of the two separate deals, which both still require Federal Communications Commission approval, Verizon will essentially buy the small carriers.

According to a Verizon filing with the FCC, Verizon plans to transition Golden State Cellular's customers to its service plans within 15 months after the deal closes. According to a person familiar with the transaction, Golden State Cellular operates a CDMA network and counts around 18,000 subscribers.