Verizon Wireless Integration
At this time, no action is required on your part. Your wireless service plan, including My Circle, will remain the same. Verizon Wireless will contact you by mail prior to any changes that may impact your service when the integration is complete in your area.
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Alltel-Verizon Wireless merger provide additional information for current Alltel customers in markets that will be integrated with Verizon Wireless.
Network and Brand Transition
Will all Alltel customers automatically become a Verizon Wireless customer?
Although the legal transaction has been finalized and Verizon Wireless is legally the owner of Alltel, it will be several months before Alltel customers become Verizon Wireless customers. Also, as part of the regulatory approval process required for this purchase, Verizon Wireless agreed to sell certain properties where both Alltel and Verizon Wireless provide service to preserve competition in those markets. As a result, Alltel customers in those areas will not become Verizon Wireless customers.
Do I need to take any action now to become a Verizon Wireless customer?
Customers do not need to take any action at this time. Your Alltel calling plan and features, including My Circle, will remain the same through the transition period. Verizon Wireless will contact you in advance, by mail, if and when you need to take any action.
When will I become a Verizon Wireless customer?
For markets that will become part of Verizon Wireless, there will be a transition period of several months before the name of the business is changed to Verizon Wireless and customers are moved, in phases, to the Verizon Wireless network and billing system. During the transition period, you will continue with your current Alltel calling plan, including My Circle, and receive a bill that says "Alltel." When the transition is complete in your area, you will become a Verizon Wireless customer and receive a bill that says "Verizon Wireless." Additional calling plan options may be offered to you at the end of your contract period.
Since both Alltel and Verizon Wireless use CDMA networks, why is a transition period necessary?
The transition involves integrating the networks to make available the full suite of Verizon Wireless services, and a billing system conversion.
Will my coverage and call quality be the same after I become a Verizon Wireless customer?
For customers in markets that will become part of Verizon Wireless, coverage and call quality will be enhanced over the next several months and customers will be able to take advantage of Verizon Wireless’ expansive voice and 3G network, the nation’s largest and most reliable.
Will my customer agreement remain in effect through the transition period?
Yes, Alltel customer agreements will remain in effect for the term specified and for the services specified.
Can I switch to Verizon Wireless now instead of waiting until the transition period is over?
Alltel customers who switch to Verizon Wireless before the transition is complete will make a standard application for Verizon Wireless service and be subject to any Alltel terms and conditions applicable to terminations, which may include early termination fees. By switching, you will gain access to Verizon Wireless plans and the company’s full suite of services such as VZ Navigator, V CAST Music with Rhapsody and the robust Verizon Wireless device lineup.
How can I determine if I will be able to switch to Verizon Wireless during the transition period?
Alltel customers are able to verify if they can switch to Verizon Wireless service during the transition period by visiting www.verizonwireless.com. Select Plans>Keep Your Number and then enter your mobile telephone number to determine if service is available in your area now.
I don’t want Verizon Wireless service. If I switch now to another carrier, will I pay an early termination fee (ETF)?
Alltel customers who switch now to another carrier will be subject to any Alltel terms and conditions applicable to terminations, which may include early termination fees.
Does Verizon Wireless plan to continue Lifeline credits?
Yes, Verizon Wireless will continue participating in the program and will continue to provide the Lifeline credits.
Phones/Handsets
Will my current wireless device continue to work during the Verizon Wireless conversion?
Alltel customers may continue to use their current wireless devices with existing Alltel services.
Will I need to purchase a new wireless device after the conversion?
In most cases, no. Most Alltel customers' wireless devices will work on the Verizon Wireless network after conversion. Based on wireless device testing to date, a small percentage of Alltel customers (less than 1 percent) may need to replace their wireless devices for use on the Verizon Wireless network after the conversion. These are older wireless devices that do not contain the chipset required to receive over-the-air software changes to enable the wireless device to work on the Verizon Wireless network. Customers who want to take advantage of Verizon Wireless data services, such as VZ Navigator, V CAST and others, or choose to migrate early to Verizon Wireless will need to purchase a Verizon Wireless device.
Will my device insurance remain in effect?
Your wireless device insurance will remain the same until the conversion to Verizon Wireless. You will receive information about the insurance program prior to the conversion and be advised if you need to take action.
Will I be able to keep my phone number when I become a Verizon Wireless customer?
Yes.
Will I be able to keep my prepay account?
Your prepay phone will continue to work through the transition. When customers in your area are migrated to Verizon Wireless, you may want to take advantage of Verizon Wireless Prepaid service that allows you to pay only for the days you use your phone. Starting on February 17, 2009, Alltel prepay subscribers will be able to use their mobile to mobile allowance for calls with Verizon Wireless subscribers. Verizon Wireless has the largest mobile to mobile calling community in the country—more than 80 million customers.
Verizon Wireless Services
Will Verizon Wireless offer My Circle?
My Circle will continue to be available to Alltel customers while they are on an Alltel calling plan. Verizon Wireless now offers Friends & Family, a similar feature, which lets a Verizon Wireless customer enjoy unlimited calling to either five or 10 customer-defined numbers, depending on the Verizon Wireless calling plan the customer has chosen.
Will I need to change My Circle plans to Friends & Family?
No, you will not need to change to Friends & Family. Instead, you will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits provided by My Circle.
When will I be able to sign up for Friends & Family?
When the transition is complete in your area, you will be able to sign up for Friends & Family if you choose to switch to a qualifying Verizon Wireless plan. Only Alltel customers who switch to Verizon Wireless before the transition is complete in their area and select a qualifying calling plan will be able to sign up for Friends & Family at this time.
How is Friends & Family different from My Circle?
The plans are similar in concept, but the details are slightly different. For example, Verizon Wireless customers with Friends & Family can include either 5 or 10 numbers, depending on their plan; Alltel customers with My Circle have three levels of My Circle numbers from which to choose.
How can I find out more about Friends & Family?
Information about Friends & Family is available at www.verizonwireless.com.
When will I have Mobile to Mobile calling with Verizon Wireless customers?
Starting on February 17, 2009, Alltel customers in markets that will be integrated with Verizon Wireless will be able to use their mobile to mobile allowance for calling Verizon Wireless customers without using their plan minutes. Customers who have a mobile to mobile messaging allowance will also be able to use this allowance for messaging with Verizon Wireless customers. Mobile to Mobile with Verizon Wireless customers is available only to Alltel customers in markets to be integrated who have a Mobile to Mobile allowance as part of their plan.
How do I get VZ Navigator, V CAST Music with Rhapsody and other cool services from Verizon Wireless?
To take advantage of the full suite of Verizon Wireless services, including VZ Navigator, V CAST Music with Rhapsody and other data services, you will need to select a Verizon Wireless device and plan.
Stores
Will Alltel stores remain open?
Alltel stores will remain open during the transition period. As part of our ongoing effort to offer the best service, Verizon Wireless continually reviews store locations to ensure they are in optimal locations. Store signage will change to Verizon Wireless in phases, as markets transition through the billing conversion.
Can I visit a Verizon Wireless store now to purchase a new wireless device?
Only customers who want to switch their service to Verizon Wireless now and are in markets where both Alltel and Verizon Wireless currently operate are able to purchase a new wireless device at Verizon Wireless stores. Other Alltel customers who want a new device need to visit an Alltel store and purchase a new Alltel device. When the network and billing conversions are complete in your area, you will be able to use your Alltel phone or PDA and enjoy the benefits of Verizon Wireless’ network, the nation’s largest and most reliable voice and 3G network.
Can I visit a Verizon Wireless store to get my wireless device serviced or pay my bill?
No. Alltel customers should continue to visit Alltel stores to have their devices serviced. Payment options for Alltel customers will remain the same. Customers may pay their bill via Alltel's My Account, #PAY or by calling 800-255-8351 or *611.
Customer Service and Information
How do I contact customer service?
Alltel customers should continue to call Alltel customer service at 800-255-8351 or *611. When customers are migrated to Verizon Wireless, they will receive a bill from Verizon Wireless which will include a number for customer service.
What benefits will I receive as a Verizon Wireless customer?
As a Verizon Wireless customer, you will enjoy service on the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, IN calling, the New Every Two device credit after two years on a qualified price plan and the company's Worry Free Guarantee. To find out about the full array of Verizon Wireless products and services, visit www.verizonwireless.com.
Prepaid Service
When will I become a Verizon Wireless customer?
Prepaid customers are being transitioned to Verizon Wireless during October and November. There will be many phases over several weeks. You will be notified when your account has moved.
Will my plan change?
Rate plan information was sent to your home address informing you of changes. Over 95% of customers are not experiencing any change to their rate plan. A few of our older plans are being moved to new plans but changes will benefit you (lower prices or more minutes)!
How will coverage be affected?
Good news! Access to America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network is headed your way. Call quality and coverage should remain the same and may even improve in some areas.
Can I keep my Alltel phone and number?
Your phone number will not change and you can continue to use your Alltel phone. Service should not be interrupted during the transition as long as your account remains active with the necessary money to for your rate plan fees.
How can I replenish my Alltel account?
Alltel Wireless and Verizon Wireless stores can help you replenish your account. You can continue to replenish using #PAY from your phone, going online at alltel.com/myprepaid or buying a refill card! Remember you get bonus minutes each time you replenish $10 or more online, at a retail store kiosk or when you dial #PAY.
Where do I go to ask questions about my account?
Account information such as balances, transaction history and favorite number changes are all available online at alltel.com/myprepaid. Replenishments can be done at retail stores. Any other questions or requests, such as a phone number change, handset change and billing questions, need to be directed to Alltel’s prepaid customer service. After the transition, your My Prepaid account will be available at My Verizon
Who should I contact for customer service?
Until your account has been transferred to Verizon Wireless, you will continue to contact the Alltel Prepaid Customer Service. Always dial *611 from your wireless phone to ensure that you are transferred to the right customer service group. After the transition, *611 will transfer you automatically to your new Verizon Wireless customer service.
For additional information about your upcoming service with Verizon Wireless, review the Prepaid Customer Agreement/Terms & Conditions and your Verizon Wireless Welcome Guide.
