att_hz_rgb_grd_whtAT&T expanded its position in the global wireless industry on Friday after agreeing to acquire Mexico-based wireless provider Iusacell for $2.5 billion, including debt.

As a result of the deal, AT&T will acquire Iusacell’s 8.6 million subscribers, in addition to the carrier’s licenses, network assets, and retail stores. The company said that the acquisition gives it an opportunity to create the first “North American Mobile Service area” that covers more than 400 million customers and businesses.

iusacell11Today’s deal comes about six months after AT&T sold its stake in Carlos Slim-owned Móvil, Mexico’s biggest phone company, when it acquired DirecTV for $48.5 billion.

According to AT&T, Iusacell operates a network that covers about 70 percent of Mexico’s 120 million people. The deal will be completed after approval from regulators.

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