Find out what Verizon's purchase of Alltel meant for Alltel customers.
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Verizon and Alltel Wireless are both mobile phone network companies offering service to customers in the U.S. On April 11, 2009, CBS News reported that Verizon purchased Alltel for $5.9 billion. Verizon informed customers after the buyout that Alltel customers’ plans, “My Circle” benefits and features would remain the same unless Verizon contacted them by mail again within the three months following the buyout notifying them of changes to their plans. Almost all Alltel customers automatically became Verizon customers after the buyout.
Leaving Verizon
If you were an Alltel customer and do not wish to continue your service with Verizon, you can terminate your service. However, you will be responsible for paying any early termination fees, as outlined in the terms of the contract you signed with Alltel. Contact the phone number on your most recent billing statement and notify the customer service agent that you wish to terminate your contract and service with Alltel because you do not want to have service with Verizon.
Staying with Verizon
If you were an Alltel customer and want to continue your service with Verizon until the terms of your original Alltel contract are fulfilled, you do not need to take any action. Watch and wait for your Alltel statements to turn into Verizon statements. You will continue to enjoy all of the benefits and features and costs for the service you had with Alltel until your contract is up. At that time, you can sign a new contract with Verizon or another wireless carrier, if desired.
Staying with Alltel
Alltel service will remain in areas where Alltel and Verizon both had service before Verizon bought Alltel, despite the fact that the sale of the company is complete. If you are an Alltel customer in one of those areas, you will remain an Alltel customer until the terms of your contract are up. At that time, you may sign a new contract with Alltel or Verizon or another wireless carrier.
Phones and Features
Alltel phones and wireless devices will continue to work for Alltel customers once the transition is complete and they are Verizon customers. If you were an Alltel customer, your phone number will not change and most likely, your rates will remain the same. Alltel plan features like “My Circle” and “Lifelines” will be honored by Verizon until the contract period is up. At that point, you will need to sign a new contract with Verizon or another carrier and those old, Alltel features will no longer be available.
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Photo Credits
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