Verizon wireless expanding operations in Georgia, Tennessee

BEDMINSTER, N.J. - In its ongoing effort to<br> aggressively build out its nationwide network, Verizon Wireless announced today that it would expand its operations in California, Georgia, Ohio and Tennessee as a result of acquiring certain Dobson Communications Corporation<br> wireless operations for approximately $465 million.<br> <br> The Dobson Wireless properties -- serving a total population (POPS) of approximately 950,000 -- add to the 90 percent of the population that Verizon Wireless is already licensed to cover.<br> <br> The four markets are adjacent to current Verizon Wireless operations and have seen heavy wireless &#34;roaming&#34; usage by Verizon Wireless customers traveling through Dobson&#39;s coverage area.<br> <br> Verizon Wireless said it acquired the Dobson operations to improve satisfaction of customers using the local network and reduce its overall operating costs by eliminating the need to pay roaming fees to another<br> carrier.<br> <br> The company will begin converting the Dobson operations using TDMA network infrastructure to its preferred, CDMA network platform in place throughout the rest of the<br> country.<br> <br> The Verizon Wireless network is the largest of any U.S. carrier, covering more than 221 million people. The company has invested more than $8 billion in the network nationwide over the past two years, converting to the digital<br> CDMA standard.<br> <br> Verizon Wireless acquired all of the Dobson operations, including network facilities, certain retail stores, customer service operations and about 125 employees. The markets, which currently operate under the Cellular One and Alex Wireless brand names, will immediately begin converting to the Verizon Wireless brand.<br> <br> Verizon Wireless is the leading wireless communications provider in the U.S., with the largest wireless network and more than 29.4 million customers.<br>