By Telecom Lead Team: Mobile major Verizon Wireless has
signed an agreement to buy wireless operating assets in New Mexico RSA #6. The
business is operated under the brand name Plateau Wireless and owned by
E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative and its subsidiary Plateau
Telecommunications.
The purchase will expand Verizon Wireless’ brand and
network footprint in southeastern New Mexico to the counties of Eddy, Chaves,
Lea and a portion of Lincoln that it doesn’t already serve. Financial
terms are not being disclosed. The transaction is subject to FCC approval
and is expected to close in mid-year 2012.
The purchase includes Plateau Wireless’ Cellular, PCS and
AWS spectrum, customers, and related GSM operations in the southeastern New
Mexico market. The licenses and the operating assets being acquired cover
a rural population of 259,000 and approximately 26,100 square miles, including
state highways US 285, US 54 and US 70. Major population centers include
Roswell, Carlsbad, Artesia and Hobbs, New Mexico.
“We look forward to expanding our presence and
coverage in rural New Mexico and in welcoming Plateau Wireless’ customers to
the nation’s most reliable network,” said Brian Danfield, president of
Verizon Wireless’ Southwest Region.
Verizon Wireless has invested more than $70 billion –
more than $6 billion on average every year – since its inception to increase
the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network, including the
building and rapid expansion of its 4G LTE network which currently is available
to more than 200 million people.
