BEDMINSTER, N.J., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announced today it has purchased the operating assets of Mid-Missouri Cellular, which will expand Verizon Wireless' network footprint in seven counties in central Missouri. Financial terms are not being disclosed.
The purchase includes Mid-Missouri Cellular's spectrum licenses, 27 cell sites and related network equipment. The acquired licenses cover a population of 198,000 people in Lafayette, Saline, Howard, Cooper, Pettis, Johnson and Ray counties, including Interstate 70 connecting Kansas City, MO and Columbia, MO. In addition, most of Mid-Missouri Cellular's employees have accepted employment with Verizon Wireless.
Mid-Missouri Cellular customers will be notified directly about the purchase in the coming weeks. Verizon Wireless plans to continue serving Mid- Missouri Cellular's 13,500 customers using the existing Mid-Missouri brand name, network and billing system until later this year. At that time, Verizon Wireless will change out Mid-Missouri Cellular's TDMA network and integrate the company's existing CDMA network into Verizon Wireless' advanced nationwide 1xRTT CDMA network, adding capacity and installing high-speed data capabilities. Prior to this conversion and upgrade, Mid-Missouri Cellular customers will receive a letter from Verizon Wireless explaining their service transition.
"We look forward to providing Verizon Wireless customers in Missouri with this expanded network footprint and welcoming Mid-Missouri Cellular customers to the nation's most reliable network," said Mark Crumpton, regional president, Verizon Wireless.
Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion since the company was formed six years ago -- on average $5 billion each year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and add new capabilities. In Missouri, Verizon Wireless invested more than $64 million in 2005 to expand and enhance its network.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
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