OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
August 5, 2010
The Honorable John Kyl
United States Senate
730 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Kyl:
Thank you for your letter urging prompt approval of AT&T's acquisition from Verizon
Wireless of FCC licenses and authorizations associated with 79 markets. These authorizations
are being divested by Verizon Wireless in connection with its acquisition of ALLTEL
Corporation. As you note, many of the authorizations at issue in this proceeding concern
wireless operations in rural areas.
On June 22, 2010, the Commission adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order
approving the transaction with conditions. To ensure that approval of this transaction serves the
public interest, the Commission adopted several conditions, including conditions relating to
roaming, preservation of service on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and a commitment by
AT&T to divest 15 megahertz of spectrum in one Michigan market. The Commission expects
that this transaction will benefit consumers, particularly throughout much of rural America, by
giving them access to an array of additional service offerings.
I appreciate your interest in this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if
you have further questions.
Sincerely,
------ .
Julius Genachowski