Company Overview: Based in Little Rock, AR, Alltell offers wireless, local/long-distance telephone, and Internet Services in 36 states.  Alltel was founded in 1983.  Largest regional and fifth largest overall mobile phone carrier in United States.

Coverage: Regional, covering 36 states primarily in Southeast,  Midwest, and Southwest regions.  CDMA roaming offered via partnerships, primarily with Verizon, but also US Cellular, Cingular, Sprint, and many Canadian carriers.  Recent agreement with Sprint Nextel will provide voice and high-speed data roaming in reciprocal agreement.

Special Plan Features: Package plans combine Alltell wireless, home telephone, and Internet services; Regional and National plans available with free nationwide long distance; Family plans available; Unlimited Nights/Weekends standard on most plans; Messaging and data available as a-la-carte and monthly add-ons; Pre-paid services available.

Unique Features: "My Circle" provides free calling to select numbers on any carrier's network; Mobile TV and Radio services available; Enhanced Business services: and Office Sync which allows usesr to send and receive e-mail in real time from select BREW handsets.

Pros: Regional calling plans afford greater value for customers who rarely travel; Roaming partnerships provide coverage across U.S. and Canada; Free mobile calls to home number for Alltel home service subscribers.

Cons: National service more expensive than other major carriers

Technology Used: CDMA 800 MHz with PCS 1900 MHz in select markets and some AMPS analog usage.  3G EvDO high speed data services.  Also owns GSM infrastructure via 2005 acquisition of Western Wireless, but does not offer Alltel-branded GSM service at this time.

Network Benefits: Combination of Alltel-owned networks and roaming partnerships offers service to all 50 US states and throughout Canada.  EvDO and BREW technologies support faster downloads and longer battery life on handsets when accessing high speed data and Java-based services.