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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 12, 2009 
MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Mohr, Communications Manager, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, (605) 773-3201

PUC addresses consumer questions about Alltel-AT&T transaction

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has developed a list of frequently asked questions to help Alltel customers in the state better understand some of the issues related to the pending sale of Alltel assets to AT&T. The information is posted on the commission's Web site at www.PUC.SD.gov/Alltel-ATT. It addresses consumer concerns such as equipment, technology and coverage.

Verizon Wireless announced its plans to purchase Alltel in June 2008. Antitrust concerns by the Department of Justice resulted in Verizon Wireless agreeing to divest assets in markets in which Verizon Wireless and Alltel both operate, including South Dakota. In May 2009, AT&T announced it would acquire some Alltel assets from Verizon Wireless. The Alltel assets, which include spectrum, towers and subscribers, in South Dakota are among those in the pending divesture to AT&T. AT&T representatives have told the PUC the company expects to close the transaction in fourth quarter of 2009.

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