<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 99.1
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
GINA HAGGERTY JOHN SNYDER Western Wireless
Western Wireless Corporation Snyder Buscher Corporation
Phone 425-586-8671 Phone 206-652-9710
Fax 425-586-8102 Fax: 206-652-9705
Press Release
Western Wireless Corporation acquires two markets from Centennial
Communications Corp.
Bellevue, WA-July 24, 2000--Western Wireless Corporation (NASDAQ:WWCA) today
announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the Arizona 4
and California 7 markets from Centennial Communications Corp. The two Rural
Service Areas (RSA) are contiguous to each other and are located in extreme
southeastern California and southwestern Arizona, sharing a border with Mexico.
The acquisition adds two RSA licenses covering approximately 311,000 persons in
Arizona and California to Western Wireless' geographical footprint and
illustrates the company's expansion strategy to be the leading provider of rural
communications in the western United States. The total purchase price for the
transaction is approximately $202 million.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our presence in Arizona and
California. We welcome our new subscribers and look forward to enhancing our
coverage area for our existing subscriber base." said Mikal Thomsen, President
and Chief Operating Officer of Western Wireless.
Western Wireless will change the service in these markets to the Cellular One
brand name. Western Wireless, along with existing Cellular One Group partner SBC
Wireless, Inc., owns, manages and promotes the Cellular One(R) brand nationwide.
Cellular One customers will be receiving the benefits of the Western Wireless
network which include free roaming on the Western Wireless network, lower long
distance rates, competitive rate plans, and a future offering of 24 hour
customer care in English and Spanish.
Western Wireless Corporation is a leading provider of rural communications in
the western United States. The company owns and operates wireless cellular phone
systems marketed under the Cellular One(R) national brand name in 19 states west
of the Mississippi River. Through the 1st quarter of 2000, Western Wireless was
providing service to 874,700 customers. In addition, Western Wireless
International holds licenses to offer wireless services in nine countries. You
can learn more about Western Wireless at www.wwireless.com.
For Release July 24, 2000
