WASHINGTON, May 8 (AFP): US telecom company AT&T announced Friday an agreement under which it will acquire US$2.35 billion dollars worth of assets from its rival, Verizon Wireless.

AT&T will acquire wireless properties, including licenses, network assets and 1.5 million current subscribers in 79 service areas, primarily in rural areas across 18 states, the company said in a statement.

Verizon Wireless is required to divest from these properties as part of the regulatory approvals granted for its purchase of Alltel earlier this year.

As a result of the transaction, wireless telephone subscribers in these areas will be able to access AT&T's 3G broadband network.

AT&T claims to have the country's fastest 3G network, now available in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas, with 20 more planned by the end of the year.