Verizon Wireless to acquire wireless operating assets in New Mexico

Verizon Wireless has signed a definitive agreement to purchase wireless operating assets in New Mexico owned by E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative and its Plateau Telecommunications subsidiary.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition will expand Verizon Wireless’ brand and network footprint in southeastern New Mexico to the counties of Eddy, Chaves, Lea and a portion of Lincoln that it does not already serve.

The purchase includes Plateau Wireless’ Cellular, PCS and AWS spectrum, customers, and related GSM operations in the southeastern New Mexico market. The licenses and the operating assets being acquired cover a rural population of 259,000 and about 26,100 square miles, including state highways US 285, US 54 and US 70. Major population centers include Roswell, Carlsbad, Artesia and Hobbs, New Mexico.

The transaction requires FCC approval and is expected to close in mid-year 2012.

“We look forward to expanding our presence and coverage in rural New Mexico and in welcoming Plateau Wireless’ customers to the nation’s most reliable network,” said Brian Danfield, president of Verizon Wireless’ Southwest Region.

E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative was advised by RBC Capital Markets LLC.

Source: Verizon Wireless