Alltel and Verizon customers may have noticed a few changes in their service lately. Verizon has been hard at work preparing for the final steps of the network integration later this year and, as a result, have made some upgrades to the local Alltel network.

What changes have been made?

First, Alltel has enabled EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) coverage in the Fallon area for high-speed mobile web access. While Alltel subscribers have had EV-DO coverage on certain devices like smartphones and wireless internet cards, it was coverage provided by one of Alltel’s roaming partners. This allowed local Alltel users to access this network without paying roaming fees. With the introduction of their own EV-DO coverage, this roaming agreement is no longer necessary and has opened the higher-speed data service for all compatible Alltel devices. This upgrade allows for faster data transfer, giving subscribers quicker access to mobile web and faster downloads from the Alltel Shop.

Secondly, Verizon has been making upgrades to the local Alltel network to increase the capacity it has to handle subscribers. With those upgrades completed, Verizon has released a roaming update to all of it’s subscribers, switching them from the network they are currently using in Fallon, to the Alltel network. Verizon customers now have access to text messaging, mobile web, and other data features that they were unable to use before.

If you are a Verizon customer and still unable to use this feature, then your phone may need to be manually updated while on the Verizon network. The nearest place to do this is Fernley, where you can dial *228 and follow the steps to update your roaming coverage.

As we get closer to the finalization of the integration between Alltel and Verizon, we will keep you up-to-date on the changes as they impact local residents.

Some rumors have been floating around Fallon recently that Verizon has been purchased by AT&T, and therefore, has purchased Alltel as well. This is not true. What has happened is that AT&T has purchased some Alltel assets from their current owner Verizon Wireless. These assets include areas in which the only wireless service available is either Alltel or Verizon, and must be divested (stripped away from the main network and sold to a competing carrier) in accordance with federal anti-trust laws.

This news does not impact the majority of Fallon residents, although it does effect Alltel customers in Ely and Elko.

Once again, Verizon has not been purchased by AT&T, but rather a percentage of Alltel assets has.

The latest news filtering down from the topmost branches of the proverbial grapevine involves this handy little device called the Apple iPhone, and it’s availability on a little network called Verizon.

Since it’s launch on June 29, 2007, Apple’s internet-ready multimedia smartphone has been available exclusively from GSM carrier AT&T in North America, denying the nearly 1.48 million CDMA subscribers access to the device. Industry pundits have speculated from the beginning that it would only be a matter of time before the iPod/Cellular phone was made available  universally, but for the last two years Apple’s ironclad North American exclusivity contract with AT&T has been keeping the other major carriers away from their prized phone-stallion and scrambling to come up with their own “iPhone-Killer”.

Well, according to several different news sources, including CNET and USA Today, Apple and Verizon are in high-level negotiations as to the devices availibility on other networks once Apple’s contract with AT&T expires in 2010. Neither company has commented on the rumor citing they are not authorized to discuss the nature of their talks. Apple has mentioned that they are not interested in creating a CDMA version of the iPhone, a network technology that is widespread in the United States, due to the limited life-cycle remaining in the 3G technology. With Verizon in the process of upgrading their network to the fourth generation LTE (Long Term Evolution), and Verizon high-ups talking to a good many smartphone manufacturers (including one developing a phone based on Google’s Android platform), a Verizon iPhone is becoming a more likely prospect.

In these times of economic turmoil, we’re all trying to do our best to find ways to save money any way we can, and an area that a good many people are looking at are their cellular service. What can you do to cut costs on your cellular phone bill? What options are there for thrifty consumers? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at prepaid vs. postpaid cell phone plans; usage habits; and suggestions to help keep your cash in your wallet. Continue reading →

Here at the office, we get asked about the Verizon/Alltel merger a lot. Specifically, when is Verizon going to finally complete the merger and completely take over the Alltel system. While on the outside, it seems like Verizon is dragging its heels in gettting things done, rest assured that there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make sure this transition takes place as smoothly as possible.

Earlier this week, technicians from Verizon have been upgrading equipment on cellular towers around Fallon. Once this upgrade is complete, Verizon customers in Fallon will receive the full benefit of the features of their service, such as web access and picture messaging. Alltel subscribers will also benefit from this upgrade, as Alltel will be able to provide native EV-D0 coverage, rather than the current roaming agreement. The last step in the merger is a conversion of Alltel’s billing system over to Verizon’s. Rumor places this occuring sometime in the fall.

Want to get a new phone with a local number, visit Janess Business Services at 625 W Williams Ave. Suite A in Fallon, NV and talk to our friendly, knowledgable staff about setting up new service with Alltel Wireless.

New Phone from Alltel

Starting Tuesday, March 24th, the LG Banter, an update to the Alltel Scoop, will be available at Janess Business Services.

The LG Banter features:

• An improved, sliding QWERTY keyboard for easy text messaging

• 1.3 Megapixel camera/camcorder

• Music player and MicroSD memory card slot

• Stereo Bluetooth compatible

UPDATE: Due to high demand, the launch date for the Banter has been pushed back to Wednesday, April 1.

So, you’ve probably heard a lot about smartphones. The names “BlackBerry,” “Treo,” and “Windows Mobile” get tossed around a lot today, especially in advertisements on TV and the internet. But what is a smartphone, and why would need one as opposed to a standard cell phone? Let’s answer those questions now and help you determine whether a smartphone is the right phone for you. Continue reading →

Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to take your broadband internet connection with you, wherever you might go? To be able to experience the unparalled freedom of taking your internet outside? (Y’know, under that big, fiery orb called the Sun?)

Free yourself from the shackles of the coaxial cable with High-Speed Wireless Internet from Alltel. Hit the jump for more information. Continue reading →