AT&T to concede seven markets in Dobson buy

The biggest thing standing in the way of government approval of AT&T's proposed $2.8 billion acquisition of Dobson has been the concern over loss of competition in markets currently served by both carriers -- and it turns out that's a concern AT&T's been working to address from the beginning. In a court filing by the Department of Justice's anti-trust peeps today, it was revealed that AT&T's cool with shedding seven Dobson markets in five states along with Dobson's "Cellular One" brand in order to secure the feds' seal of approval. All the affected markets are rural and apparently represent a tiny percentage of Dobson's customer base (let alone AT&T's) so it doesn't look like anyone's getting too worked up about the sitch. FCC approval of the deal is expected shortly, so by all accounts, the merger looks like a done deal. Welcome to the fold, Dobson customers.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 30th 2007 10:04PM]

The deal is expected to close by Nov. 15th but of course could be pushed out longer. AT&T has already scheduled meetings to visit the Dobson Contact Centers for scheduled meetings with management.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 8th 2007 6:33PM]

Can anyone tell me the markets or counties in Texas? I've looked on the FCC site, but am not finding a nice list.
Thanks

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 15th 2007 3:54PM]

TX-02, TX-09, TX-10, TX-15 and TX-16

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 17th 2007 8:46AM]

Well the deal has officially closed. The FCC approved the buyout late on 11/15. http://www.fcc.gov/

[frothe3 Posted Dec 23rd 2007 10:04AM]

It is official;Cell One is now dead. All stores have converted to AT&T as of this week.