A FAQ posted Wednesday by South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission reviews...
A FAQ posted Wednesday by South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission reviews the consumer side of the AT&T/Alltel deal (CD June 24 p11). The sale, in which Verizon Wireless divested its Alltel assets in South Dakota and 17 other states, got…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
FCC approval Tuesday. Alltel typically uses CDMA, while AT&T uses GSM/UMTS 3G technology, so AT&T will be installing its gear and migrating customers to it, the commission said. Alltel technologies may see use for as long as 12 months. According to the commission, AT&T has said its 3G network will provide similar, if not better, coverage -- though after 12 to 18 months customers probably will need new phones. “Former Alltel customers will be able to use their existing handsets for up to 12 months after the sale’s completion,” the commission said. “These customers may sign up for any AT&T special promotions in effect during that time. By the end of the 12-month period, former Alltel customers will need to change to a device that is compatible with the new AT&T network.” When Alltel subscribers in South Dakota are migrated to GSM, AT&T will provide free comparable wireless devices, and once AT&T’s 3G network is deployed customers will be able to get iPhones, the FAQ said. The company will advise customers as service availability evolves, the commission said, noting that Verizon customers will remain Verizon customers and won’t be affected. AT&T’s new customers won’t have to pick a new cellphone provider, and no one’s phone number will change, though prices could change, the FAQ said. “Former Alltel customers may continue wireless service under their existing Alltel contract terms for up to 12 months after the transaction closes,” the commission said. The shift may affect coverage, but not for at least a year, it added. “AT&T is purchasing not only the Alltel subscribers, but also the Alltel network in South Dakota,” the FAQ said. “The wireless towers that serve you today are likely to serve you when the transaction closes.” The agency plans to aid cellphone users through the transition with such efforts as the FAQ, it said. If AT&T continues to receive Universal Service funds, as Alltel did, the commission will have a say in how AT&T spends that money building out and maintaining its rural network in South Dakota, the agency said in the post at puc.sd.gov/Alltel-ATT/default.aspx.