BASKING RIDGE, N.J.-Verizon Wireless has agreed to acquire a small GSM carrier in West Virginia.
The deal, which must receive regulatory approvals, is expected to close sometime in the first quarter of next year, according to Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Robin Nicol. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We look forward to expanding our presence in West Virginia, and we think this is good news,” Nicol said. She said that once the deal closes, Verizon Wireless will have to build a CDMA network to replace the smaller carrier’s network.
According to its Web site, West Virginia Wireless serves the areas of greater Charleston, Huntington, Beckley, Princeton, Bluefield and Ashland. The company was started in 2002 and has nine retail locations. The carrier also has a partnership with Marshall University in which it provides wireless service to the college’s students, as well as an affinity wireless program for alumni, faculty and staff.
West Virginia Wireless representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
The deal likely will boost Verizon Wireless’ spectrum position in West Virginia. Verizon Wireless spent $2.8 billion on spectrum during the Federal Communications Commission’s recent spectrum auction.
