Alas, the perky Chad and his My Circle friends at Alltel are about to get hung up on.

On Friday, Verizon Wireless expects to close its acquisition of Alltel Wireless, absorbing one of the largest and best-rated cell phone companies in the South.

Verizon officials have been tight-lipped about what will happen with Alltel customers once the deal closes. Alltel officials have offered only a few details that could affect their 14 million customers.

But some things appear certain. According to Alltel:

• My Circle will remain part of current Alltel contracts, meaning customers still will be able to pick people they can call for free within the Alltel network, at least until their contracts expire.

• Customers still will be able to change their plan and rates anytime.

• Alltel customers don't need to take any action now.

Typically, in cellular buyout deals, customer contracts remain in place until they expire. Customers probably won't need to replace phones because Alltel and Verizon operate on similar cellular technology.

If past cellular mergers are a guide, Alltel customers would have to switch to Verizon or another carrier when their contracts expire.

Some good news for customers: Alltel ranked No. 1 in the most recent Consumer Reports ranking of cellular service in the Tampa Bay area. Verizon ranked second.

As for advertising icons, it's likely Alltel's Chad will fade from the public stage, replaced by Verizon's grinning "Can you hear me now?" pitchman. Verizon hasn't given him an official name, other than "Test Guy."

Source: Tampa Tribune & WFLA