Nextel to become AT&T first, Iusacell sticking to brand

Nextel will be the first of the Mexican brands to turn into AT&T, while Iusacell will still continue operating under its own name for the time being.

Nextel's smaller subscriber base makes for an easier transition, according to El Economista, since NII Holding's local brand holds 2.8% of Mexico's mobile market, whereas Iusacell has an 8.4% share of the market.

AT&T has yet to announce a date on which its brand will finally take over its Mexican operations.

The US-based provider has kept busy announcing its investment plans in the country, which will add US$3bn to the US$4.4bn it already paid for both Nextel and Iusacell earlier this year.

AT&T will start off with 12% of the Mexican mobile market, but expects to expand that share within the next few years. The company is also planning to build a combined network for Mexico and the US, reaching 400mn users.