Cellular internet discontinues service

Jenn · #1 02/12/10, 03:23 PM

Just got notice my Alltel (has become Verizon in most areas) cellular internet won't continue our service because of too much roaming- switchign from their cell tower to others. This is not because we travel much (maybe used it away from home last Oct) but I have to presume because of our rural locale.

May be switching back to satellite again after telling you all how much better this has been than Hughes net

blooba · #2 02/12/10, 04:24 PM

Call up tech support and make sure you have the correct PRL (Preferred Roaming Location i beleive) programmed into your aircard.
Are you officially a Verizon customer now or still with Alltel? I am still Alltel (for now) and still love my service. I use a USB extention cord to put my aircard into a window for better reception. You could also get a Cradlepoint router for your aircard so its stationary and just use the wifi.
I've never heard of them dropping you because of too much roaming but I guess anything is possible anymore. Be careful with other cellular providers most limit you per month and charge extra if you go over.

big rockpile · #3 02/12/10, 07:10 PM

Our Son had same problem and went to AT&T.

big rockpile

Backfourty,MI. · #4 02/13/10, 06:00 AM

Cingular did that to us after we moved here. I guess not enough of there towers in the area so we had to switch to Alltel which I believe is now owned by Verizon.

Sounds like one of the companies switched hands in your area too or bought out others towers. We had no choice they made us switch or we had till a certain date & our service would just be turned off.

ronbre · #5 02/13/10, 08:42 AM

we have Alltel, and we know that Verizon bought them out..but so far with our HTC phone we have had no problems with our internet..i understand other phone brands may be having a problem

RVcook · #6 02/13/10, 09:03 AM

When our contract on Hughes runs out in October, we will be seriously considering switching to using a Verizon internet service. But FIRST...we're going to be absolutely sure that we can actually utilize this service due to our location. We've had no problems with Hughes to speak of except when snow builds up on the dish that is mounted on the roof! AND that our monthly bill is about $85!!!! AND...we had to purchase the Hughes equipment in the first place.

Thanks for posting this potential issue. We'll make sure this isn't a concern for our area.

RVcook

ErinP · #7 02/13/10, 09:23 AM

Are there other providers in your area?

We have a company called Viaero which is out of Ft. Morgan, CO.
When we first moved to this area 7 years ago, they were only a local carrier.
In the years since, they've expanded across most of Nebraska, all of Colorado, western Kansas and they're building new towers everyday. I can't say enough good things about them!

But, I have to wonder if there aren't other Viaeros around the country who are quietly waging war against the big guys. And winning.

Jenn · #8 02/13/10, 12:14 PM

RVCook we overlapped service and demanded a trial period from Alltel, as I will do with ATT which looks best for us here now- thanks all.

blooba · #9 02/13/10, 01:31 PM

Be careful, most other providers limit you to 2MB a month or something and I regularlly use over that every month, last bill was 6.they will tell ya "oh you won't go over" but they will charge ya like $0.10/kb over, that would really add up, thats why I love Alltel, its unlimited.