Alltel won't roam on Unicel (CDMA) in Western MN

[Sudsman]

I'm an Alltel customer from western WI who works in western MN (Alexandria), and I have a problem:

I have a RAZR v3m. In Alexandria, MN - which is covered well by Sprint - I have no problems calling out. However, when I go back to where I live during the week - Villard, MN, about 15 miles south in a rural area covered best by Unicel - I get a crappy signal. Sometimes I'll lose a call, then miraculously I show a strong signal. When I try to call I get a recording from Unicel: "We don't recognize your mobile equipment ... blah blah blah ... 12A, CDMA." I'm getting a strong signal, but they won't let me use their tower.

The tech chick from Alltel was really very helpful. She had me press #073887*, security code 000000, then to Extended NAM, NAM1, then change my Country Code from 311 to 000. Still doesn't work. Any ideas?

I want my phone to work well when I'm back home in WI, but am having trouble living with this while I'm away all week. I'd love to talk to my family in the evening, and it's too hot to stand outside in my "special spot" where I have no place to set my beer.

HELP!!

[DanPFW]

I'd say, for the time being, you're screwed. I have friends from that town and visit frequently. We've always had problems out there. Whether it's Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T. They all stink. RCC's improved a little since their network upgrade, but not much.

At least there's a light at the end for you, if RCC does in fact have a usable signal there. I'd guess Alltel has no problems roaming on a VZW network, and since they just announced the purchase of RCC, you'll probably be able to roam on them by next year. I doubt AT&T is an option for you in WI, but if it is, they just bought the other rural company (Dobson) in that same area.

You could be having the same problem I've had for years. Alltel might prefer the Sprint network over the VZW network for roaming, even if the signal is worthless.

BTW, you probably already know this, but if you think your service is bad there, head over to Brooten. You'll be introduced to a new level of "no service"

[Sudsman]

Thanks, man - I'd like to think there's a fix and I'll keep working on it.

You come to Villard? Small world. The only bar in town charges $3.00 for a friggin' bottle of Mich Golden. It definitely ain't Wisconsin.

As for Brooten, I've been out to eat there. Never tried to use my cell phone while I was there, but certainly got "no service" at the restaurant, where apparently no one's ever heard of a rare steak. When the four of us told her that all our steaks were done more than we ordered, she said, "Hmmm...mine was perfect earlier." Thanks, honey; that really made my day.

[GBPhoenix]

I would try going into programming again and go into "User Activation", "NAM 1", then change the network code or IMSI to "00" and see if that works. I had some issues before with them and that fixed it. They said they had issues with their switch not recognize the network code.

[Sudsman]

Thanks, man - I'll try that. I'll be home sweet home for the weekend and won't be back in the trouble spot till Monday night, but I'll give it a shot then.