AT&T Takes the Edge

US fixed line and mobile telecoms operator AT&T has swallowed up Edge Wireless in the NW of the country. The regional wireless company has 172,000 customers spread across several markets around the Pacific North West coast of the US. AT&T, which is currently only a minority shareholder in Edge will purchase the remaining 63.4% of the shares in the company.

The addition of the Edge Wireless GSM networks in Northern California, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming will be add to AT&T's coverage and customer base in the area. According to the purchaser AT&T's customers will enjoy broader network coverage in these areas, while Edge Wireless subscribers will be given access to AT&T's services and products. AT&T's GSM network, covers over 290 million people in 13,000 US cities and towns.

The purchase still awaits regulatory approval but is expected to be completed by mid-2008.