Verizon Wireless to overtake AT&T Mobility’s No. 1 spot on Friday: Wireless provider amasses more than 80 million subscribers

Verizon Wireless is set to regain its position as the nation’s largest mobile operator on Friday, the date scheduled to be the final closing date of its acquisition of Alltel Communications L.L.C. When Verizon Wireless inherits Alltel’s 13 million customers, it will put the carrier’s total customer count to over 80 million.
The customer number pushes Verizon Wireless past AT&T Mobility, which currently counts around 75 million customers. Even with AT&T’s pending acquisition of Centennial Communications Corp.’s 1.1 million subscribers, it will continue to play second fiddle.
Verizon was the nation’s largest carrier prior to then-Cingular Wireless’ acquisition of then-AT&T Wireless for $41 billion in 2004.
Verizon Wireless announced in June it would purchase Alltel for a total package of $28.1 billion in cash and debt. The Federal Communications Commission approved the deal, on the stipulation that Verizon Wireless divest 105 Alltel markets where competition issues would occur. The carrier has 120 days after the deal closes this week to divest those markets, which include network, spectrum, stores and customers.
Verizon Wireless did not specify when Alltel customers would begin to migrate to the new carrier and declined to comment on any details of the transaction.
Thus, it remains a question mark as to whether Verizon Wireless will keep any Alltel plans, rates or devices, including Alltel’s MyCircle calling plan. Verizon Wireless spokeswoman, Robin Nicol said more details will be available after the deal officially closes this week.