South Dakota Alltel to AT&T transition gets closer

I have been following this news for a long time. In November of 2008, I predicted that either Sprint or AT&T would end up with the Alltel assets in South Dakota. I also predicted this time-frame for network build-out.

I still see Sioux Falls being fully on the AT&T network by mid-summer 2010 with the I-90 and I-29 corridors completed by Thanksgiving 2010.

News from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is this:

Will I need a different phone?
Not at first, but after 12-18 months you probably will.
Former Alltel customers will be able to use their existing handset for up to 12 months after the anticipated sale’s completion. These customers may sign up for any AT&T special promotions in effect during that time. By the end of the 12-month period, former Alltel customers will need to change to a device that is compatible with the new AT&T network.

What I read from the SD PUC statement is they expect to see a 6 month network build-out period after the Alltel to AT&T transaction has been finalized. Once the changeover is official, customers have 1 year to sign up for a AT&T cell phone.

It looks like South Dakota can put the Apple iPhone on their Christmas list. By Christmas 2010, you may also have a choice between AT&T and maybe Verizon for your iPhone service (maybe).