MARTIN SEEKS NOVEMBER VOTE ON ALLTEL TAKEOVER BUT MAY NOT GET IT

摘要

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin appears to be setting up a vote on Verizon Wireless's acquisition of Alltel for a proposed Nov. 4 commission meeting, said FCC and industry officials. But it's unclear whether the Justice Department, which is expected to decide on the deal before the commission, will have acted by then. Verizon Wireless officials have sought a quick vote and have been concerned that a decision could get put off until next year and a new administration. Commissioner Deborah Tate, considered a likely vote in favor, is expected to leave the FCC when Congress adjourns, probably in January. The commission is expected to act on revised roaming rules in a separate order about the same time as the takeover. Medley Global Advisors said in a research note that "political support" for commission action on roaming rules "has grown on Capitol Hill." But the firm said "we expect FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to address the issue separately from the ... [Alltel] transaction."