AT&T picks up Centennial Communications for $944 million

For those who stick to one coast or the other, you may have never even heard of Centennial Communications. Not to worry, though, as AT&T just made said company entirely more relevant. Shortly before heading out of the office on Friday, AT&T decided it fitting to acquire Centennial for a few bucks shy of a billion, or $944 million for those seeking precision. The transaction will beef up AT&T's coverage for customers in rural areas of the Midwest and Southeast United States, not to mention in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. As always, the acquisition must first pass regulatory approval, the approval of Centennial's stockholders and "other customary closing conditions" before the little guy's 1.1 million subscribers officially make the shift, but we certainly don't expect that to be an issue.

[Via The New York Times, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[carcomptoy Posted Nov 8th 2008 12:20PM]

Why in the world is AT&T eating up more companies?? And why didn't T-Mobile pick them up instead?? The latter needs the expanded coverage and increased subscribers more than the Death Star.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 9th 2008 1:24AM]

Well, AT&T wants to fill in more areas with "their" coverage so that AT&T subscribers don't roam as much. Also the reason why T-Mobile didn't acquire it is because it's a predominantly 850 MHz carrier and T-Mobile is almost fully 1900 MHz. So, it would be an issue for T-Mobile customers who only have PCS-only phones.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 9th 2008 10:17AM]

all about the future version of Apple’s iPhone....
http://snsays.com/1858/iphone-3g-tethering/

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 9th 2008 7:20AM]

I'm actually surprised at this move considering what AT&T is facing in 2009, and what impact it has had thus far in preparation for union talks.