At first I will explain that this opinion is based on the Ft. Myers and Naples service areas, which are included in the Tampa coverage area. The footprint was taken over from GTE by Alltel, which translates into Alltel gaining about 10 to 15 years worth of coverage in the area.

Coverage
The phone service in this area is great. The phone is always showing either medium or full tower coverage. The only problem I can explain is in the North Naples/Bonita Springs area. The towers from every company are overloaded and translate into a fast busy signal or a "all circuits are busy" message.

Alltel is the first company that I have seen to address these problems by increasing the capacity of the towers so that they can handle more phone calls. They are also adding a tower in the Vanderbilt beach area to help with the customers in the North Naples area. The total service is planned to be complete in the June time frame.

Service Centers
Alltel has two main service centers that cover these two cities. They are also located in all of the local area Walmarts in order to service new customers, upgrades to new rates and services, and payment of bills.

Phones
Alltel offers four main phone choices. They have two dual band models and two tri-mode models. The dual band models are priced around the $29.95 price tag. The tri-mode phones run into the $69.95-$149.95 price range.

Plans
The local coverage for Alltel is from North of Tampa all the way down to South Naples. All of the local rates over $24.95 now include 1000 off peak minutes for free.

Alltel also offers an unlimited local wireless plan in this area. The coverage area is from Collier county, Lee county, and Hendry counties. The plan is $59.95/ month and offers unlimited calls.

The company that has the best coverage on this side of the state is easy to see. Alltel is the best and they are still upgrading their towers in order to keep up with all of the tourist's that make their home in the Ft. Myers/Naples service area.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 59.95