Regional provider ALLTEL will merge with Western Wireless in a $6 billion transaction that would make ALLTEL the fifth-largest wireless company in the United States, representatives of the two companies announced Monday. After completion of the merger, the company will have 10 million customers in 33 states, plus 1.6 million international customers.

CEO Scott Ford said Western Wireless was a logical acquisition partner for ALLTEL, telling reporters that the "transaction strengthens ALLTEL's position as the nation's top regional communications company and makes sense financially and strategically."