Verizon Cuts Exclusive Handset-Time, Sells Part of Alltel and Advocates No-Text While Driving

According to the Associated Press Verizon has shortened how long rural carriers have to wait before they begin to offer Verizon-exclusive LG and Samsung phones.

Verizon spokesman Jeffrey Nelson told an AP reporter that, two months ago, Verizon started allowing LG and Samsung to sell their phones to rural carriers six months after the devices' launch at Verizon.

Verizon Wireless is nearing an agreement to sell parts of Alltel Corp. to rival AT&T. The deal is valued at about $2.5 billion, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Verizon Wireless will support statewide efforts to ban texting while driving, Steven E. Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel for Verizon Wireless, told the New York Times.

The company will work with state legislators around the country advocating no text while driving in states where there is chance of passing.

The Verizon website states, "The existing research indicates that using a wireless phone while driving degrades a driver's performance, whether it is a hands-free or hand-held wireless phone...for your well being and the well being of those around you, you should consider turning your phone off and allowing calls to go to voice mail while you are driving."

Firefighters in the field and evacuees at shelters in Santa Barbara County are relying on the Verizon Wireless and wireline networks to stay connected during the Jesusita wildfire.