KIRKLAND, Wash.-Nextel Partners Inc. exercised its option with Nextel Communications Inc. to expand its licensed territory by an additional 10.6 million people, increasing its total licensed territory to cover 50.8 million people.
The territory includes markets in South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
In exchange for transferring licenses to operate in the expanded territory, Nextel Communications will receive class B common stock of Nextel Partners.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter.
In related news, Affordable Telecommunications Corp., a wireless reseller in Louisiana and south Texas, said it now will offer Nextel Worldwide service.
