Breaking on KO - Exclusive: Verizon and AT&T Provided Cell Towers for McCain Ranch

for FREE
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washingtonpostinvestigations/2008/10/exclusive_verizon_gave_cell_to.html
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Early in 2007, just as her husband launched his presidential bid, Cindy McCain decided to resolve an old problem -- the lack of cellular telephone coverage on her remote 15-acre ranch near Sedona, nestled deep in a tree-lined canyon called Hidden Valley.

By the time Sen. John McCain's presidential bid was in full swing this summer, the ranch had wireless coverage from the two cellular companies most often used by campaign staff -- Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

Verizon delivered a portable tower know as a "cell site on wheels" -- free of charge -- to Cindy McCain's property in June in response to an online request from Cindy McCain's staff early last year. Such devices are usually reserved for restoring service when cell coverage is knocked out during emergencies, such as hurricanes.

After a request from Cindy McCain, Verizon Wireless proposed installing a cell tower close to the couple's home near Sedona, Ariz.

In July, AT&T followed suit, wheeling in a portable tower for free to match Verizon's offer. "This is an unusual situation," said AT&T spokeswoman Claudia B. Jones. "You can't have a presidential nominee in an area where there is not cell coverage."
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McCell is going to clean up Washington - NOT!

In July, AT&T followed suit, wheeling in a portable tower for free to match Verizon's offer. "This is an unusual situation," said AT&T spokeswoman Claudia B. Jones. "You can't have a presidential nominee in an area where there is not cell coverage."

at any time ever :sarcasm:

GoBama!

"All I'm saying is (15 acre ranch) Obama pays for his phone service..."

"Can you hear us now, John McCain?"

American people vvvvvv

a satellite phone?

This was free :D

As a sidenote...remember that in 2007, Camp Gramps was already ramping up and were probably racking up the cellphone minutes from his ranch and thus the "business sense" in setting up that site. That said, I'm sure if the fine folks of Sedona had wanted a site set up without having a famous resident nearby, they'd still be climbing phone polls like on Green Acres.

This is not the first time stories have come out of special favors and perks thrown Gramps way by the telcoms...the industry he regulates in the Commerce Committee. Remember, prior to '07, he was the Chairman, thus decided what bills went in front of the committee. He also has played "swing vote" for a price...especially now in the minority. He was ably assisted in this game by his good "pal" Vickie Isemann.

BTW...cellphones are so "yesterday"...today, the big time cell users have their own satellite phones.

The haves and the have mores strike again.

So guess who will pay for this in the end...