AT&T is acquiring Nextel Mexico for almost $2 billion

In an announcement earlier today, AT&T has reached an agreement with NII Holdings to purchase Nextel Mexico for $1.875 billion. Nextel Mexico’s network currently covers roughly 76 million people. Thanks to the wide coverage offered by Nextel Mexico, AT&T is one step closer to creating the first-ever North American Mobile Service area, which will cover over 400 million subscribers between the US and Mexico. The deal will likely close sometime around mid-2015.

The carrier explains:

Combining Nextel Mexico with Iusacell will allow AT&T to more quickly improve and expand its mobile Internet service to the benefit of millions of Mexicans, particularly those who live outside major metropolitan areas, than it could otherwise do without the transaction.

This news follows AT&T’s recent purchase of Mexico-based mobile carrier Iusacell for $2.5 billion. AT&T has already begun rolling out benefits and promotions to residents of Mexico, including unlimited calling to the country through the carrier’s World Connect program. Mexico is the most-called country from AT&T’s network, so it makes sense that the carrier would want to expand to the country.