Verizon Taking Over Alltel: What to Expect

In case you're not aware, Verizon has already bought Alltel's name out, and is going to slowly take complete control of Alltel. The current Alltel locations will probably turn into either Verizon stores or be completely removed.

What does this mean for the current Alltel customers? How about for the current Verizon customers? Customers to come?

For one, current Alltel customers should know that their phones are probably going to go out of date. This doesn't mean that they're going to become obsolete, but I'm sure that Verizon will be putting their own phones in place of the current Alltel phones. You may need to get updates or whatever to keep your service merged between both of the companies. Verizon will more than likely remove all of the current Alltel phones from stores, which is good for current Alltel customers or customers to come, because they'll be able to get the phones at an awesome sale price, I'm sure.

Verizon customers are going to do nothing but benefit from this expansion. Before, Verizon didn't get great service out in the middle of nowhere and seemed to work about best in the main cities. Alltel seemed to have decent coverage all around. Verizon customers should be prepared to get even further service than before! Alltel customers should see an improvement as well, assuming that the new Verizon towers will update with your phone.

Prices? I doubt Verizon will change any of the Alltel plans once they take complete control and are all moved in. Alltel was pulling in tons of money, and Verizon bought the company as an investment, they'll probably leave the original Alltel plans in the same state, to keep bringing in the same money and avoid losing trusted customers.

I would say that for the most part, everyone wins when cell phone companies merge together. You'll be paying around the same price, and will generally get much better service. The only problem that I can see happening in the future is too many companies merging, causing very little competition between the companies; prices may rise. However, the great thing is that cell phone plans have been steadily decreasing in price since the invention of the cell phone. I doubt price increases will be significant or likely.

Just expect to see some changes in the Alltel stores, if they even stay put. Alltel as we know it, is gone. Verizon is the new Alltel, so technically, you don't have "Alltel" any longer. Sad, but change is good!