Cingular Vs. Alltel in Charlotte, NC area

[MrNiceGuy]

I have used Alltel for 20 years + but am now looking for a second line (perhaps a third) and am curious about the Cingular service providing the $9.99 add'l line, while most everybody else charges double $19.99 for each additional line (including Alltel). Alltel coverage supposedly is better, but they boast of a great coverage area in NC and SC, but I know for a fact that there are "dead" zones within the 50 mile radius I use it the most. Cingular is more realistic, admitting their dead zones. I am hoping that they are simply being honest about it, while Alltel is stretching the truth, and that I can easily save $120 a year by switching to an equally available service signal from Cingular. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

[cdellis]

Cingular is definitely cheaper than Alltel for family plans, but there is a reason for this. On Alltel family plans, you get unlimited mobile to mobile, and unlimited mobile to home. With Cingular, you only get to share the included package minutes. You get no mobile to mobile minutes included at all. The only way to get mobile to mobile is to add a package. For instance, the only good one is 5000 m to m for $9.99 per line. If you need mobile to mobile you have to add it to the add on lines bringing them back up to $19.99 each, and then you have to add another $9.99 to get mobile to mobile on the primary line. When you look at it this way, a comparable Alltel plan could actually be $10 per month cheaper. As far as coverage goes, Cingular has great coverage in the towns and major roadways in the carolinas, with occasional weak spots in thick walled buildings. However, if you go out into the boonies, chances are your Alltel phone will at least have an analog signal, whereas your Cingular phone won't even be able to roam onto another carriers signal. As you can see, I have Cingular, so I'm not really anti-cingular. IMHO Cingular has better sound quality and has easier to use calling features than Alltel. So the decision is up to you, but
Cingular is not necessarily all that much cheaper than Alltel.

[Babyboy]

It's good to see NC boys getting together. I don't know much about either, but a friend of mine has Alltell and he isn't too pleased. I don't know anyone with Cingular (but you've heard much info about that now). I would adivse you to consider Verizon also. They have excellent coverage in Charlotte. But don't take my advice too seriously. How about them Bobcats and Panthers!

[ComicalMoodyDan]

Honestly if you've been with ALLTEL for a long time and you are happy with the service just stick with them.

[FilthyFifthAggie77]

If you have been on Alltel that long they will probably offer special pricing to keep your business. I am completing a 2 year contract in February and have the Regional 500 plan with 2 additional family lines. I am considered a Platinum customer because of my years of continuous service and was told by the salesman at the Pineville/Matthews store that at minimum they will drop my family lines to $9.99/month. Because of coverage and service issues I am considering moving to Verizon, but if you want to stay with Alltel I'll bet they will make concessions to keep your business.

[Rasputin]

Alltel is excellent there after that is Verizon and then Cingular, that has been my experience.

[Towertester]

Alltel has built this year and is still building in rural areas that no one covers. I have no problem on the system on those areas. Like someone said at one time they would offer you 9.95 second line to try and keep your business. Especially as long as you have been with Alltel. What areas do you have problems in currently with a CDMA phone on Alltel?