Sprint Officially Announces Data Roaming, Alltel Agreement

Very nice to hear some more detailed information on this. On my latest bill the mention it, but with no real insight.

I just don't understand needing a new phone, or updated firmware to be able to use the feature. I would think that it would be more of a authentication issue which Sprint has had to fix on my account in the past when roaming. I would think with the right PRL and the authentication you would have no problem?

 

So does this mean if I say go to an area where my A900 is roaming, then I can use the standard vision service while roaming if the PV isn't in that area yet?

That would be cool.

 

Yes it dose!

 

What's the advantage for Sprint? Sprint already has EVDO in 150+ markets, including the 11 that Alltel is already in. Alltel gets all those EVDO markets and Sprint gets what? Broader 1xRTT in rural areas?

http://www.evdoforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1841

I smell merger/buyout.

 

The advantages for Sprint are keeping customers happy. They can now use Vision/data off network. And also this will help with getting new customers who might go to one of the GSM carriers. Those carriers have always been able to use data services off network.

 

I am also a great fan of seeing expanded CDMA DATA roaming. This is one of the biggest reasons I would have GSM if I had to roam a lot with my CDMA service. DATA. It is just getting too important that people can use the internet on their phone while roaming, send/receive SMS and picture messages just like on their home network.

 

I do see that as an advantage for Sprint users, but Alltel is getting the better end of the deal, an instant 150+ markets with EVDO as they only have 11 today.

 

1) That means roaming revenue for Sprint. Good for Sprint
2) Hopefuelly Alltel will continue to build out their EVDO in more of their markets. Good for Sprint customers, which in turn is good for Sprint.

 

Are Alltel CDMA phones tri-mode? Can they roam on 1900 Mhz CDMA networks like Sprint?

 

Most of the handsets offered by Alltel are tri-mode phones. The Motorola e815, V3c RAZR, Samsung n330 and all of the smartphones/PDAs are digital-only. They can all use 1900 MHz.

 

Don't forget that in some places Alltel has to use PCS frequencies because they didn't have cellular licenses. Wichita, Kansas is PCS. I think a little area they got in northern MS is PCS. Also, Amarillo is PCS. However, in the latter, I take it that once they buy Amarillo Cellular they will be Cellular there too, though this one is strange as it is GSM. Isn't there also parts of western NC that are also being build out with PCS licenses?

 

Yep...Asheville.

And there there's Jacksonville, FL...

-SC

 

They should. I don't think they have made any phones without 1900Mhz since the 90's.

 

Is this you Yankees368? Come on man come see America!

Yeah all Alltel phones are 800 and 1900...

So if I were to get an Alltel data card and Alltel doesn't have EVDO in my area would I then get the Sprint EVDO that is instead of the Alltel 1x? Or would I be stuck on the 1x?

 

Oh, yeah they don't have much native coverage above Virginia on the coast. They are all over VA, GA, the Carolinas and Florida. I guess that might be more southeast coast. This roaming agreement would be great for me because Sprint has EVDO in my area:biggrin:

 

Doesn't do crap for me either. I won't be back to AZ anytime soon, and I just don't visit Alltel areas much. I do go to South Carolina a lot, but Alltel sucks majorly in Myrtle Beach. Crap, many areas in NC/SC didn't have 1X until recently! EVDO won't be there for awhile I bet!!

 

north carolina is actually alltel's most heavily covered ev-do market id say, but south carolina on the other hand has absolutely no evdo from any carrier besides in rock hill