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It’s nice to see when two stubborn brothers (or sisters, whichever you prefer) put their differences aside when they have problems that can be solved mutually. Earlier this year, AT&T purchased Dobson Communications, a rural cellular company, known to many as Cellular One. After that, Verizon bought Rural Cellular Corp. Both hit snags. AT&T had to divest some assets to make the Dobson purchase go through, and Verizon had problems of its own in Vermont. Now, the two can complete their purchases because of an overlapping agreement.

AT&T is now selling some of its assets in Kentucky to Verizon. This is in addition to their deals to sell the Cellular One brand to Trilogy Partners, and selling some assets in Texas and Oklahoma to MTPCS LLC. After those sales go through, AT&T can finish their acquisition of Dobson.

Up in Vermont, Verizon is selling licenses, network assets, and subscribers to AT&T so that they can complete their RCC deal. This also includes giving up service in areas of New York and Washington state.

Of course, nothing of this nature moves quickly. Even though the agreement has been signed, the respective sales likely won’t get through regulators and all the other red tape until mid-2008.

[San Antonio Business Journal]

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