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Thursday June 5, 2008
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So, it's on. Today, Verizon officially announced that they're going to try to buy Alltel. Last night I listed my reasons why Verizon buying Alltel would be a really bad idea, but apparently Verizon disagreed. You can go read the earlier column, but in brief, here are the issues:
1. Massive divestitures will create chaos.
2. Alltel's unique features and advantages will vanish.
3. Large wireless mergers usually cause indigestion - billing errors, customer support and integration problems.
At the moment I'm saddest about point 2, because of the way the official press release reads.
"Once this transaction closes, customers of both companies will have access to an expanded range of products and services, including a premier lineup of basic and advanced devices and an expanded IN Network calling community. Alltel customers also will benefit from advanced services including over-the-air downloadable music from a three-million-song library, and a network that is nationwide, for a uniform coast-to-coast experience. They also will be able to take advantage of industry-leading consumer policies, including Test Drive and Worry Free Guarantee®."
Read between the lines. There's no mention of Celltop, or of My Circle, or of any product that's actually Alltel. It's looking like Alltel will vanish within Verizon without a trace. That's sad, it reduces competition in the US marketplace, and it's bad for consumers.
Fortunately, this monstrosity has to pass FCC approval. I'm personally hoping it doesn't. I'm going to try to talk to Verizon and Alltel execs over the next few days, to see if they can change my mind about this idea.
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June 5, 2008 11:07 AM
And if this were to go through, what would happen to all the cool commercials. Go Chad.
June 6, 2008 9:31 AM
Poor Alltel employees. Somebody nobody ever mentions about Verizon is how they take over, chop all management heads (from sr manager down) and make everybody comply to their 10 year old thinking about anything. The only shining light back in the days was Wireless, however, with the continued integration of wireless into mainstream Telco (land line, fios) the company is bogging down so badly that their only shining star is all but drowned in red tape. Take it from me Alltel employees, look for a job now unless you want to end up in some Terry Gilliam-Brazil type of working environment.
June 9, 2008 5:01 PM
Being a long-time Alltel customer, and one who uses - and LOVES - My Circle, I'm VERY concerned about this merger. Verizon better NOT ditch My Circle. My Circle is the best thing that ever happened to Alltel and wireless. It keeps our cell phone bills within reason!
Not to mention that NASCAR will make Penske Racing get a new sponsor for the #12 Alltel Dodge if this goes through!
June 11, 2008 11:38 AM
It looks like if you are in rural USA your screwed,since Verizone hasnt even bothered to acknoledge the Alltel customers. It stinks and I personally will go a differant route if they screw us on our Alltel plans.
June 11, 2008 4:53 PM
Screwed is right.. and for those that think that Verizon keeps the best of the companies it swallows up... dream on, you are being assimilated.. can you hear me now?
June 20, 2008 12:25 PM
They may be losing out on My Circle but theyre gaining on getting unlimited calling to all Verizon Wireless and Alltel customers as well as improved service.
The Alltel network almost exactly fills the gaps of Verizon Wireless' network in the Midwest. Now VZW doesnt have to pay Alltel for "roaming" in their area.
VZW may be expensive but thats why they have the best network. They spend billions on improving it every year.
September 4, 2008 1:33 PM
So what happens to the Alltel Agent? What has happened to agents from other taken over companies? Very interesting situation
February 1, 2009 3:48 PM
Found you with a Google search. We Alltel customers need to get together and do a class action. aganst Verizon, Alltel, and the FCC to keep MY Circle and plans like mine that beats Verizon by about $10.00 a month!