Vermont natives have been missing out on AT&T’s service for years now. The Vermont wireless market was apparently not appealing enough for AT&T to setup shop in the small state, keeping residents from enjoying the latest and greatest hardware that only a GSM carrier like AT&T can provide. And, as the exclusive (until 2010) iPhone carrier, AT&T has kept Vermont in the dark on the iPhone and iPhone 3G.
That’s all about to change. Federal regulators have finally approved the Verizon and Unicel merger that’s been under consideration for a year now. The Department of Justice previously required that the Verizon divest some 
of its assets in order to prevent a monopoly and encourage competition in the Vermont wireless market, and it seems that Verizon’s on board with the stipulations. The FCC recently approved the wireless merger, giving Verizon the go-ahead to gobble up Unicel’s business and close the gap on No. 1 US wireless carrier, AT&T. The merger has resulted in AT&T being awarded wireless licenses in Vermont. In addition to Verizon’s increased footprint in Vermont, AT&T will be offering service in the near future.
With AT&T coming to Vermont, Big Blue will be bringing eager Vermonters a chance to get in on the iPhone 3G action. That means long waits in line, desperate searches for iPhone 3G stock, and worrying about not being able to unlock said handset. Worth it? You betcha.
[Via: Reuters]