Expanding a Wireless Empire

AT&T; Wireless’ $3.3-billion deal to buy wireless systems in San Francisco, San Diego and Houston would change the company’s presence in California. Here’s a look at how:

San Francisco: Firm would buy the 47% stake in CellularOne that was owned by Vodafone AirTouch, convert brand to AT&T; Wireless and add AT&T; service plans for about 1 million callers.

Los Angeles: Former L.A. Cellular operation is a partnership between AT&T; and BellSouth that now offers AT&T; Wireless. AT&T; restructured the partnership in late 1998, gaining operational control of L.A. Cellular and the right to sell under the AT&T; brand. By the end of the year, BellSouth is expected to relinquish its interest in the L.A. market in return for full ownership of the Houston operation in which the two firms are also partners.

San Diego: Firm would buy 200,000-subscriber GTE Wireless network and operation, change brand to AT&T; and change equipment to use technology compatible with other AT&T; markets. Customers eventually will need new phones.