“Verizon Wireless has agreed to acquire Alltel from the private equity firms that currently own the nation’s fifth-largest national wireless provider. Verizon Wireless will acquire Alltel’s assets, including 13 million customers and coverage in 57 markets where it has no presence, as well as Alltel’s debt. The merged companies will surpass AT&T’s 71 million customers to become the nation’s largest provider of wireless goods and services with 80 million customers. The move will greatly expand the regions where Alltel’s customers can roam without incurring fees, and also gives Verizon’s customers greater freedoms in the rural markets where Verizon previously had no coverage. The merger should be completed by the end of 2008, depending on the required regulatory approvals.”  Phone Scoop

“Friday, May 9th: 8330 available through B2B, telephone sales and on the web
Monday, May 12th: 8330 available through all other channels” Boy Genius Report

“Turns out the Glyde’s gonna have to share the spotlight a bit when it launches early next month. The Curve 8330 has been confirmed by our sources for a May 9 release through Verizon’s B2B, web, and telesales channels, followed by a May 12 launch in “all channels” (which we assume means you’ll be able to walk into any old store and grab one). It’ll go for $319.99 before $50 rebate on a two-year contract, ranging all the way up to $439.99 if you have no interest in signing your name on the dotted line. ‘Course, Sprint told us point-blank that it’d be launching the Curve in April and that didn’t exactly pan out, so we recommend exercising some restraint here until your jaded heart actually spies it on Verizon’s site — or better yet, on a store shelf.” Engadget Mobile

“Wouldn’t you know it? Just as promised, that strikingly white XV6900 has landed on Verizon Wireless’ website and can be snapped up now by those in need. The pain? $249.99 on contract after all applicable rebates — oh, and knowing the Touch Dual is heading Stateside later this quarter.” Engadget Mobile

“We’ve just received word that the blindingly white XV6900, Verizon’s rendition of the HTC Touch theme, will be available online on April 16 with in-store stock following on come April 30. That’s a considerably healthier turnaround time from first rumor to availability than the XV6800, we’ve got to say — and hopefully, it’s a trend Verizon (and all carriers, for that matter) will be able to stick to. Contract-signers will be able to get their TouchFLO on for a nominal fee of $349.99 after $50 rebate” Engadget Mobile