PrimeCo

In October 1994, PrimeCo was established by its parent companies AirTouch, Bell Atlantic, NYNEX and U.S. West. PrimeCo was created to provide wireless communications products and services that are simple to use and understand. PrimeCo launched its digital phone network in 16 cities nationwide in November 1996, making wireless communications history with the largest national launch of a CDMA network. What's Happened Since? By March of 1998, PrimeCo had more than a half-million customers under the newly merged ownership of Airtouch and Bell Atlantic. Brand awareness reached 84% within 18 months of launching Primetheus, our long-running story about a hapless little pink alien in pursuit of his lost phone. The episodic spots have captured the attention of consumers and earned PrimeCo the reputation as the fun, friendly wireless company. In June of 2000, PrimeCo found itself in the middle of an ownership change. Bell Atlantic, Airtouch and GTE formed a new company called Verizon. PrimeCo became Verizon in 7 of its 10 markets. In the other three markets, Richmond, VA, Houston, TX and Chicago, IL, Verizon could not integrate PrimeCo because it already held properties in the area's telecommunications industry. The three remaining markets had to be divested in order to comply with government rules and regulations. Richmond was sold to nTelos and Houston was sold to AT&T. On October 31, a group of experienced telecom investors acquired PrimeCo Chicago. In August of 2002, PrimeCo was sold to Chicago-based U.S. Cellular, the country's eighth largest wireless service provider. This acquisition is seen as an excellent opportunity for PrimeCo's customers because of U.S. Cellular's extensive service area in the Midwest, as well as a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, commitment to superior customer support and a high quality network.