Verizon buys out Centennial Communications

I thought I would write up a little home town news for anyone in the State of Mississippi and Louisiana. Verizon has just “announced today the completion of the Centennial Communications Corp. integration across Louisiana and Mississippi, bringing additional Verizon Wireless stores and coverage to Mississippi.” No where near as big as the AT&T and T-Mobile purchase for $39 billion, this little deal set Big Red back only $235 million.

Centennial, who is a subsidiary of AT&T, was bought in 2008 for $944 million, has been trying to shovel part of the Centennial Wireless division to Version since 2009 but ran into some US Justice department hiccups which delayed things until now.

Centennial which has only 117,000 customers, will now have access to the Verizon devices and data services. So get your Android and iPhone on Centennial customers, cause’ you now have some pretty cool device choices!

VERIZON WIRELESS COMPLETES INTEGRATION OF

CENTENNIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI

    Customers Across Mississippi to Benefit from Network Enhancement              

JACKSON, Miss. – Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company operating the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, announced today the completion of the Centennial Communications Corp. integration across Louisiana and Mississippi, bringing additional Verizon Wireless stores and coverage to Mississippi.

            Verizon Wireless completed its purchase of Centennial Communications in August 2010 and has spent the past year integrating networks, converting billing systems, upgrading high-speed wireless broadband service and opening stores in Mississippi to further provide its customers with top-quality customer service.

            “Verizon Wireless provides an outstanding value in wireless services – offering the best network, best products and best customer service in the industry,” said Kay Henze, Houston/Gulf Coast region president for Verizon Wireless. “We’re proud to continue offering this high level of service to our existing customers in the area, as well as former Centennial Communications customers.”

Verizon Wireless purchased certain operating assets of Centennial Communications from AT&T for   $235 million which included 117,000 current customers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

Former Centennial Communications customers in markets retained by Verizon Wireless now have access to Verizon Wireless’ leading lineup of devices and data services and may visit Verizon Wireless stores across the country for sales and service.  In addition, customers will enjoy:   

· Faster speeds when accessing the Internet, email and corporate data through the upgrade to 4G LTE technology.

· Best-in-class devices including the Droid Charge by Samsung, LG Revolution ^TM, Sony Ericsson Xperia^TM Play and other global smartphones; MiFi 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot, Samsung Galaxy Tab^TM, Apple iPad 2 and many more, all backed by the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network.

· An expanded network of retail stores, including re-branded Centennial Communications locations as well as existing Verizon Wireless stores throughout Mississippi and the nation.

· Service provided by employees trained to offer the latest products and services and provide the best customer service for continued customer loyalty.  Verizon Wireless has the highest customer loyalty in the industry.

As part of the integration, Verizon Wireless also is launching its HopeLine^® Phone Recycling Program in Centennial Communications markets.  Through the program, individuals can provide assistance to domestic violence victims and agencies that help them, by donating no longer used wireless phones and accessories to be refurbished, recycled or sold.  All proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence through agency grants and the donation of wireless phones and service.

Verizon Wireless is committed to providing Mississippi residents with the best wireless experience available. Last year alone the company invested more than $47 million in Mississippi to enhance the 3G network and launch the 4G network, which will cover the entire state with advanced wireless technology by 2013.

The Centennial markets with Mississippi that are now a part of Verizon Wireless include:

• Jackson
• Brookhaven
• McComb
• Natchez