NEW YORK--Cingular Wireless on Tuesday closed its $41 billion cash purchase of AT&T Wireless Services, creating the biggest U.S. mobile telecommunications service--with more than 46 million customers.
Cingular, a venture of BellSouth and SBC Communications, closed the deal after agreeing to government demands that it sell wireless airwaves in 30 markets and give up about 325,000 customers.
The combined company, which surpasses Verizon Wireless as the largest U.S. provider, has a network that covers the top 100 U.S. markets and spans 49 of the 50 U.S. states.
Cingular Chief Financial Officer Peter Ritcher said the company would focus mainly on retaining customers as it begins a roughly two-year integration process. It will rely on network coverage improvements and branding rather than price promotions, he said in an interview with Reuters.
"We clearly know that we need to stay focused on our customers during this transition period," Ritcher said. "I don't think you'll see any aggressive pricing on our behalf."
Cingular plans to launch an advertising campaign this week that Ritcher said would be bigger than both companies' current advertising combined. It expects to combine services under the Cingular brand by the end of November.
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- Want rollover...get a new phone...
- [from www.newcingular.com site - link on attwireless home page]
Q: Why do I need to get a new wireless phone when I want to get Cingular?s current rate plans or services?
A: Cingular's rate ... (Read the rest) - Posted by: robhill Posted on: 10/28/04 You are currently: a Guest | Log in | Terms of Use
When it's time to switch wireless carrier, take your phone with you
idealab | 10/27/04
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Want rollover...get a new phone...
robhill | 10/28/04
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