The Facts

Being the 5th largest carrier, one might think the Alltel coverage area wouldn't be large. However, they do claim to have the "nation's largest wireless network". This is true for voice.

The key thing to notice is that it is not the largest mobile broadband network. Their coverage reflects Sprint, their data roaming partner.

Alltel has EV-DO coverage in 76% of its wireless footprint and was said to expand to 82% by the end of 2008.

As an added bonus, users can bolster Alltel Wireless coverage by adding hotspot access for an extra $10 a month.

If you compare that to the cost of paying to use just one hotspot, that's an awesome price. Especially if you count the access to 17,000 locations (over 7,000 being Starbucks).

When you compare it to competitors however, it loses the shiny new car smell. T-Mobile and AT&T both include hotspot access in their $60 wireless broadband plans at no extra cost.

To check Alltel's coverage, I wish you good luck. They have the worst coverage map. It's small and if you're like me, you'll probably have to squint just to see. To make matters worse, you don't have a tool to plug in your street address. You're better off looking at the Sprint coverage area to see where they have mobile broadband. If you insist however, you can take a look at the 'tool' Alltel has on their website^(pop-out) below:

To compare the Alltel coverage area with other providers, see our carrier comparison.

The Fine Print

Thanks to multiple roaming agreements, they have a nationwide footprint for voice coverage. As it relates to mobile broadband coverage however, Sprint is the only carrier that Alltel has a data roaming agreement with.

As they describe it:

Alltel Wireless Internet is currently available in limited areas"

In light of Verizon's acquisition of Alltel and subsequent merger, bad news may be in the works for Sprint mobile broadband users.

Verizon has made no comment on whether they will honor Alltel's roaming partnership with Sprint. Considering that they're direct rivals in mobile broadband, it wouldn't be surprising to see Verizon to kick Sprint to the curb.

Alltel customers should not have major worries as Verizon's coverage coupled with Alltel should cover most of their needs. Their coverage may turn into a mirror of Verizon rather than Sprint.

Bottom-line: Alltel's coverage area is limited. However, in the places they do have coverage, it's good and will be getting better with their EVDO Revision A upgrades being made.

Should you 'come and get your love from Alltel'? Compare Alltel to other carriers or read the real deal about Alltel customer service..