ALLTEL

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All together, Alltel is a leading US wireless telecommunications network operator. The company provides wireless voice and data services to more than 14 million customers over a network that spans some 35 states. Data services include messaging, wireless Internet access, and such entertainment features as streaming music (made possible through a partnership with SIRIUS XM). Alltel also sells wireless handsets, provides network services to other carriers on a wholesale basis, and offers a range of business support services and third-party mobile software aimed at corporate customers. The company was acquired in 2009 by Verizon Communications.

VERIZON

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Verizon is the second largest US telecommunications services provider (after AT&T). The company's wireline business provides local telephone, long-distance, and Internet access services to residential and small to midsized businesses in 28 states and Washington, DC. It has about 40 million voice access lines in operation and it serves about 8 million broadband Internet customers. Verizon Wireless, the company's joint venture with Vodafone Group which is known legally as Cellco Partnership, is the top US wireless provider (ahead of AT&T Mobility), with more than 80 million customers. Verizon Business provides communications and information technology (IT) services to global business and government clients.