Verizon buys Ramcell network in Oregon and Kentucky – expands rural network coverage

Hot on the heels of Vodafone’s annnouncement that will be keeping their fingers in the US wireless-cookie-jar a bit longer, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless has announced their acquisition of Ramcell’s wireless infrastructure in western Oregon and southeast Kentucky. The move will net Verizon Wireless all of Ramcell’s spectrum licenses and the 51 cell sites in the two states.

Big Red will be converting the TDMA Ramcell network in Kentucky to fit with their high-speed CDMA network. Ramcell’s CDMA holdings in Oregon will be outfitted with EVDO Rev. A technology – increasing Verizon Wireless’s high-speed wireless broadband coverage. Kentucky should see full EVDO Rev. A coverage by 1H 2008, while Oregon should be getting their high-speed wireless fix by the mid-2008.

AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon Wireless are all about hoovering up rural wireless assets these days. But, when you’re locked in a deadly game of “mine is bigger than yours,” it’s all about getting it (your wireless network) as large as possible.

Kentucky and Oregon, all hail your new red-clad wireless overlords.

Verizon Wireless press release.