As part of its acquisition of Alltel Wireless, Verizon Wireless must divest $3 billion worth of spectrum and other assets, including coverage of some 2.1 million subscribers spread across 22 different states. The assets are up to Verizon to sell, but AT&T has made its interest in acquiring those assets clear. The Rural Cellular Association and the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies voiced their concerns, as did the public interest group Public Knowledge.

They feel the transfer of assets from the largest wireless network operator to the second largest network operator may not be in the best interest of consumers. The Department of Justice must approve the divestitures, and will examine each market individually to make sure that competition is preserved.