The Federal Communications Commission last week approved Little Rock-based Alltel Corp.'s $6 billion acquisition of Western Wireless Corp of Bellevue, Wash

Arkansas Business, July 18, 2005

The Federal Communications Commission last week approved Little Rock-based Alltel Corp.'s $6 billion acquisition of Western Wireless Corp of Bellevue, Wash. The FCC order contains no conditions beyond the divestitures required by the Department of Justice on July 6. The Justice Department granted tentative approval on condition that the two companies sell assets in 16 markets where competition could be threatened.

Western Wireless has scheduled a shareholder vote on the merger for July 29, and the companies expect to close the merger shortly thereafter.