AT&T launches service for former Alltel customers

<p class="p1">More than 40,000 former Alltel wireless customers in Southern Illinois were scheduled see a change as AT&T planned to launch service for them during the second week in December.</p><p class="p1">The change affects customers in Union, Alexander, Clay, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson counties.  </p><p class="p1">AT&T acquired Alltel’s wireless operations in September 2013. The transaction included subscribers, spectrum and retail and network assets.</p><p class="p1">Since then, AT&T has  been working to upgrade the network to combine the strength of Alltel’s local coverage with AT&T’s 4G LTE network. The upgraded network was launched in early December.</p><p class="p1">“We’ve worked day and night to upgrade our network in Illinois so that former Alltel customers will have a great experience with AT&T,” said Nancy Garvey, vice president and general manager of AT&T. </p><p class="p1">“These customers will have access to a better combined network; in fact, AT&T’s 4G LTE network is capable of data speeds up to 10 times faster than the 3G speeds on the former Alltel network. Customers now also enjoy the latest smartphones and tablets and have award-winning retail locations to meet their wireless needs,” Garvey said in a news release.</p><p class="p1">Former Alltel customers will have access to AT&T’s 4G LTE network.  </p><p class="p1">But speed and reliability enhancements are not the only benefits for these customers. </p><p class="p1">The upgraded network in Illinois offers service on significantly more cell towers than the Alltel network and better call quality.</p><p class="p1">Former Alltel subscribers aren’t the only ones to benefit. With the upgrades, existing AT&T cell towers can now provide enhanced indoor coverage and cover a wider area from each cell tower. </p><p class="p1">In addition, the integration of former Alltel towers into the upgraded network has increased AT&T’s cell towers in these areas of Illinois by nearly 75 percent. </p><p class="p1">All subscribers in these parts of the state will benefit from a better high speed Internet experience on their mobile devices.</p><p class="p1">Former Alltel customers need new handsets to use the new faster AT&T network. </p><p class="p1">All former Alltel wireless postpaid customers in Illinois were given the option to receive a new comparable device from AT&T at no additional cost and with no time added to their contracts. </p><p class="p1">They also could choose an upgraded device from AT&T’s lineup of smartphones. </p><p class="p1">Prepaid customers received special offers for new devices and plans. Starting with the launch of the new service, these customers will activate their new AT&T devices and begin using the network.</p><p class="p1">AT&T also upgraded or relocated some former Alltel retail locations. </p><p class="p1">AT&T customers, including former Alltel subscribers, in Illinois can visit retail stores in the area to learn more about products and services. </p><p class="p1">Among the AT&T company owned retail stores in the region is a location at 1236 E. Main St. in Carbondale.</p><p class="p1">Former Alltel customers can also visit any authorized retailer location or national retailer location that offers AT&T products and services.</p><p class="p1">Customers with general questions about the transition from Alltel to AT&T can visit www.att.com/alltel. </p><p class="p1">Or for details about their new devices, they can visit www.att.com/mynewphone. </p><p class="p1">Customers also may call 800-331-0500 or speak with an AT&T sales rep at any AT&T retail location.</p><p class="p1">AT&T also is working to deepen its commitment to the community and customers through its 2014-2015 sponsorship of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Salukis. </p><p class="p1">AT&T already supported SIU’s academic programs, specifically the Summer Bridge to Success.</p>

AT&T launches service for former Alltel customers