May 12, 2005

The FCC is asking mobile phone carriers to supply highly detailed data about their calling plans, in connection with the agency's review of the proposed $35 billion merger of Sprint and Nextel.

FCC letters, dated May 6 but only recently released, were sent to Western Wireless Corp., Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA Inc., SouthernLinc, Nextel Partners, Sprint, Nextel Communications, Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Alltel Corp.

The FCC is seeking month-by-month analyses of the billing plans-including minutes used, subscriber counts, cancellations, roaming and long-distance toll charges, promotions and overage charges-from Jan. 1, 2004, through Jan. 1, 2005.

The data request follows recent FCC letters to Sprint and Nextel seeking additional information on the deal. The combination of No. 3 Sprint PCS and No. 5 Nextel would still keep the merged entity behind No. 2 Verizon Wireless and No. 1 Cingular Wireless.

The Sprint-Nextel transaction is expected to be approved by federal officials later this year.

Source: RCR News