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Arbogast said Verizon was proactive in identifying 85 markets for possible divestiture to order to quickly win regulatory approval, before the Bush administration leaves office. The Justice Department then identified another 15 markets for divestiture, she said. The proposed merger has raised concerns about the impact on competition in the mainly rural, inland markets that Alltel serves. Consumer advocates also fear Verizon Wireless won't have the same incentive as Alltel to strike roaming agreements with other regional and small wireless carriers that rely on the company to provide service in areas where they lack operations. "The wireless market is quickly becoming less competitive, which likely means less innovation in phones and Internet services," said Christopher Murray, an attorney with Consumers Union. "The FCC needs to protect the ability of smaller carriers to roam onto Verizon's network for both voice and data services, and ensure this merger doesn't result in higher phone prices." Jessica Zufolo, an analyst with Medley Global Advisors, believes the FCC could address the roaming issue when it votes on the merger next week. She added that the commission also could require Verizon Wireless divest assets in five additional markets before signing off on the deal.
[Associated
Press;
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