Alltel vs Verison EVDO coverage question.

GMRedline · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

I think my question could be handled through a quick PM but this forum requires 10 post before that feature is enabled. So I guess I need to up my post count first. Smile

I have an HTC Touch and really like it. The only area it falls short is in the Internet connection speed. I have done a few download tests over the past year and normal hit 150-200kbps download and 60kbps upload.

According to the Alltel EVDO coverage map I should be connecting to an EVDO Rev0 system.

I am just outside of Green Bay.

According to Alltel my HTC Touch has uses CDMA 1X/EVDO technology. Is it safe to assume that EVDO = EVDO Rev0?

I am considering upgrading to a HTC Touch Pro or HTC Touch Diamond. Both support EVDO Rev A. Since Alltel does not provide RA in my area will I see an increase in Internet speed?

Does anyone know if Verison provides EVDO RA in my area?

There is really no reason for me to upgrade my phone if I can't get faster internet speed.

Have those who have gone from an Alltel to Verison conversion seen any improvements?

Does anyone have an input?

Atmega · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 123

Hello there,

I am not to far from your location so hopefully I can shed some light on it for you. I live in Appleton, WI 54913 area code. What I seen around here is since Alltel started my original tower was EVDO, then when Verizon allowed Alltel users on their towers I was able to get Rev-A from a somewhat distant tower from using a Verizon PRL.

A few weeks ago I switched back to the latest official Alltel PRL and found out they have upgraded my tower to Rev-A, also the PRL is setup to allow Verizon tower usage by default. So if Green Bay is like Appleton you should be able to get service from a Verizon rev-a tower.

colebert · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 170

I would say in 90% of the cases Verizon service is faster and more reliable than Alltel. I am in Arkansas which is (was) Alltel's home. Almost all the state is covered with EVDO but their speeds were relatively bad compared to everyone else.

If I were you, I would try to get Verizon EVDO over Alltel. I checked Verizon coverage and it is actually all over your area. Almost all the way up Door county, actually.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController

I don't know how technical you are, but you could just try changing your PRL on your card. But really why don't you try calling Verizon and getting swapped over to their side of the service? I tmight require a new card and a committment, but Verizon is almost always the best service for EVDO.