fcc

We dived into the convoluted Verizon-Rural Cellular acquisition earlier this summer, and it looks like the deal is finally going through, with a few conditions.

The FCC gave the OK for Verizon (now with more Alltel!) to buy RCC in a $2.7 billion deal, but one of the companies must sell off licenses and network assets in Burlington, Franklin and Addison, Vermont; Ferry and Okanogan, Wash.; and in Franklin, N.Y.

That was not unexpected, and it goes along with Verizon's plans to unload 15 percent of the Alltel customers it's acquiring, in order to satisfy that deal.

Via Engadget Mobile

Back in June we mentioned all the legal wrangling going on between Verizon and Alltel - some of it related to the former's $28.1 billion purchase of the later, and some not.

It became pretty apparent that Verizon would have to sell off some of the Alltel markets to keep the feds happy, and that's just what it's planning to do. Verizon says it will unload its interests in 85 markets in 18 states - about 15 percent of its 13 million subscribers.

Who needs to keep an eye on this?

Verizon Wireless said the markets — mostly rural service areas — encompass wireless assets that overlap with those of Alltel throughout North Dakota and South Dakota as well certain areas in California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

Look for AT&T, Leap Wireless, Metro PCS and others to scoop up the homeless subscribers.

RCR Wireless (via Engadget Mobile [via PhoneScoop])

Fan (Okay, maybe there's more than one) Fans of the Pantech Duo - you know who you are - can rejoice in the fact that that the Duo 2 appears to be making its way back through the FCC (by way of Phonemag).

While the FCC filing is as cryptic as ever, we have ascertained the following:

• It's made by Pantech.
• It sports the 850 and 1900 bands, making AT&T a safe bet.
• It has Bluetooth (duh).
• There are five screws hidden beneath the battery.

If you want to find out more, bone up on your materials science, hit up the FCC report and see just what those little 3G radios will do to that pretty little head of yours.

Or you could take a look back at our video review of the original Pantech Duo and take your best shot at what improvements have been made.

Following the whirlwind week of HTC announcements, word on the street is that HTC's Diamond has hit the FCC, which is great news for those looking to get their grubby mitts on one.

Going through the documents (see how we sacrifice our sanity here for you folks?), there are a couple of interesting tidbits to found (and pictured after the jump) that have not been reported on the 'nets yet:

• GSM only
• 3 different versions
• 6 different batteries are being tested (including a larger 1340 mah variant)
• Optional front cameras for video conferencing

The battery part is interesting as clearly HTC is experimenting with what works the best and are evidently prepared to ship an extended 1340mah battery (over the stock and perhaps diminutive 900mah).

The different camera versions are to be expected as usually you get front-facing cameras/video on unlocked versions, whereas the carriers tend to ditch those (for whatever reason) and will offer just the 3.1mp rear camera/video.

When should we expect these devices to hit shelves? Hard to say. FCC clearance can take anywhere from weeks to a couple of months. Since these docs were just "submitted" on 5/8 and considering all the different versions and battery configurations, perhaps testing may take a bit longer than usual, but we wouldn't be surprised to see these in the next few months here in the States with possibly a full-priced (~$800) unlocked version first and carrier subsidized (and more limited) later on.

Hit the link to see some of the FCC screenshots (and here for all the FCC docs).