Verizon Wireless just announced that it will acquire Alltel Communications. For a mere $28.1 billion ($5.9 billion plus $22.2 billion to pay off Alltel’s debt), this deal will make Verizon the nation’s largest carrier with 80 million customers.

RCR Wireless summed up the key points:

Verizon Wireless said it expects to immediately save $9 billion through the deal thanks to “reduced capital and operating expense savings.” The carrier said it would save around $1 billion in “incremental cost savings” in the second year after the agreement closes.

Many in the industry have long expected such a transaction. Both Verizon Wireless and Alltel operate CDMA networks, and both recently announced plans to upgrade their networks to Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, a 4G standard that promises faster data connections.

Further, Alltel and Verizon Wireless both use Qualcomm Inc.’s BREW application download service.

I suppose this means that this is the last we’ll be hearing from Chad, Alltel’s spokesperson. So long, Chad. Your charming demeanor and your goofy carrier friends will be missed.

Oh, and Chad, I think this means that you have to stop making fun of Verizon now.

Tags: Alltel, carrier, CDMA, Qualcomm, Verizon

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