Verizon is buying Alltel, which also makes them the biggest and also substantially improves their coverage area, without taking on Sprint's high churn.
But most importantly for any future VZ/VOD-S deal, VZ officials have said they'll hold off on acquisitions for awhile, to pay down the debt gained in the Alltel deal and the spectrum auction.
I know but it is fun to spend VZ's money on their behalf....
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Especially for Verizon... why purchase what you can poach for free.