(Host) AT&T plans to add jobs and cell phone options for consumers as it completes the takeover of a major cell phone provider in Vermont.
AT&T is acquiring the Vermont territory of Rural Cellular Corporation, which operates in Vermont as Unicel.
The transaction means Vermont consumers will soon be able to use the latest cell phone technology, such as the Apple iPhone.
AT&T spokeswoman Kate MacKinnon says the new services should be available in mid January.
(MacKinnon) "And that’s when iPhone and other products like the Blackberry Bold will be available to Unicel customers in Vermont."
(Host) MacKinnon says customers shouldn’t notice much difference as the Unicel network is folded into A T and T’s system.
(MacKinnon) "Your old Unicel phones will work on the AT&T network. You don’t have to change anything for at least a year, although many customers may want to take advantage of our national plans."
(Host) AT&T also plans to add about 75 new jobs in Vermont, primarily in sales and support positions.
The acquisition of Unicel is part of a complicated transaction that began when Verizon Wireless bought Rural Cellular. Verizon and Rural Cellular were the main providers in the region. So to avoid a monopoly, regulators required A T and T to swap some assets with Verizon.