BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless has completed its purchase of partnership interests in Golden State Cellular from Sierra Cellular, Inc. and two other partners. Verizon Wireless now owns 100 percent of Golden State Cellular. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

This transaction expands Verizon Wireless’ footprint in East Central California, giving Verizon Wireless control of Golden State Cellular’s spectrum license and related operations. The market (California RSA #3), which has a population of approximately 160,000, comprises Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa counties, including much of Yosemite National Park.

Verizon Wireless will continue to use the Golden State Cellular brand for the next several months as it integrates the cellular networks. When the integration is complete, Verizon Wireless will roll out its 4G LTE network and serve Golden State Cellular’s customers under the Verizon Wireless brand. At that time, Golden State Cellular customers will receive a letter from Verizon Wireless explaining their service transition. Golden State Cellular customers do not need to take any action at this time.

“We are excited to expand our presence and coverage in rural East Central California, and welcome Golden State Cellular customers to the nation’s most reliable network,” said Russ Preite, president of Verizon Wireless’ Northern California/Nevada/Hawaii Region. “This deal also provides an enhanced roaming experience for current Verizon Wireless customers in surrounding California and Nevada markets, as well as those visiting Yosemite National Park.”

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $90 billion since its inception to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network, including the building and rapid expansion of its 4G LTE network, which currently is available in more than 500 markets nationwide, covering close to 97 percent of the U.S. population.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 103.3 million retail customers, including 97.3 million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless