VERIZON WIRELESS FIGHTS BROAD READING OF ALLTEL TAKEOVER CONDITIONS

摘要

Representatives of Verizon Wireless met with acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps in their effort to persuade the commission to reject a request for a clarification of the order approving Verizon抯 purchase of Alltel. Leap Wireless has asked the FCC to make clear that conditions imposed on the deal were meant to do more than freeze roaming rates. "The simple answer is that Leap knew then and now that the commitment does not extend beyond rates, and that the Grant Order is clear on its face that the four-year commitment applies only to rates," Verizon Wireless said in an ex parte letter. The order "rejected Leap's request to expand the condition beyond rates, and the Commission stated that 'we decline to condition the transaction on any additional special requirements relating to roaming rates or arrangements.' Accordingly, there is no basis for Leap's asserting that the condition is ambiguous."