Illinois Cellular Reviews
Mountain Wireless presents an opinionated review of wireless and cellular phone services in Illinois. This is information gained from personal experience, user interviews, press releases, advertising material, newsgroups and wireless web sites.For Ratings of these carriers, Click Here.

ALLTEL WIRELESS
The "old" Alltel has been split into several pieces and sold to different companies. The carrier now known as Alltel Wireless is operated by Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN), the parent company of several North American cellular systems. Alltel continues to offer creative and competitively-priced plans including National, Unlimited and prepaid plans. CDMA coverage, both on and off their own network is excellent. Customer service should continue to be good and most Alltel stores in ATN areas will remain, however, Alltel stores outside of the new Alltel service area will no longer be available. You will still be able to use your Alltel phone across the country with excellent coverage and reliable data service. Roaming is available on most cruise ships. Alltel plans are very generous but most features incur higher fees including Text Messaging. Their "My Circle" and "Free Fridays" features actually reduce the weekly number of minutes you need.

Pros: ATN will continue to use the Alltel name and has kept Alltel plans. We expect any changes to be minimal and should not cause any operational problems. You will have very good coverage, good customer service, a fairly advanced network and excellent roaming capabilities. In most cases you'll be dealing with the same Alltel people as before, including Chad. You'll be able to use your Alltel phone across most of the country and get excellent coverage and reliable data service including while roaming. Alltel offers generous and creative plans, a good selection of phones and good broadband service.

Cons: Wireless Internet roaming off the Alltel network is limited to 50%. Anything greater will result in wireless Internet service being discontinued. Some Alltel stores have been closed requiring you to either travel farther for in-store service or use online service only. The uncertainty of the transition to another company may hold some surprises, but for most customers, service should improve, some features incur extra charges.
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AT&T
AT&T has a large GSM network, but in the west, have a lot less developed spectrum than in the rest of the country. That has improved with AT&T's acquisition of Alltel Wireless in 76 markets in the western US. They converted most former Alltel sites to 3G GSM. Some ex-Alltel customers noticed significant changes in coverage with the loss of CDMA roaming partners. With GSM technology, AT&T roams more readily internationally, but there are areas in the US with no GSM coverage. AT&T's takeover of other cellular networks has improved their service in some areas already, including Alaska. AT&T offers a large selection of GSM phones including the Apple iPhone. Parts of what was the old AT&T Wireless network in the interior west is still not among the best. They still suffer from some coverage 'holes', but they are updating some of these areas. Most improvements will be made in the new markets and are increasing data capacity instead of adding cell sites in older areas. They have added "4G" coverage in a handful of markets and will upgrade most of the network in the near future. In several markets where AT&T operates at 1900 MHz only, we have been disappointed, but not all AT&T 1900 MHz-only markets are equal. AT&T offers a variety of plans including Unlimited minutes and services, and 'calling circle' plans. They have extensive data coverage. One of their greatest assets is also their worst problem: the overwhelming success of the Apple iPhone on the AT&T network. It has overloaded their system resulting in dropped calls, interrupted data and slower service. This situation is improving with the defection of some iPhone users.

Pros: AT&T has a large network and covers much of the nation, usage is transparent whether on- or off-network, good digital and data services, good national plans, "Rollover" for those who can use it, "Unlimited" calling plans available, a very good selection of phones. Improvements in coverage have been substantial in some areas, lacking in others. Excellent international roaming capabilities, and AT&T will now supply the unlock code for all phones, except the iPhone, after 3 to 10 months. Additions of Alltel, Unicel and Centennial network purchases give AT&T substantial rural coverage improvements.

Cons: AT&T plans aren't as generous as some, customers can only access GSM networks which are not as universally available in the US as CDMA, customer service varies from above to below average, some markets have a large number of dropped calls caused by large data users. Some customers who have been transferred from other networks have noticed substantial changes in coverage, mostly while roaming.
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CELLULAR ONE OF EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
This Cellular One has good GSM coverage in their Illinois service area. Their plans are overpriced but you can can get Nationwide service and Unlimited Talk, Text or Data minutes. They have Calling Circle plans with up to 20 numbers on any network. Their Unlimited Nights & Weekends start at 7pm and incoming Text Messages are free. Their Unlimited features apply nationally but your usage must be 50% or more within your Local coverage area. They have a few holes in roaming coverage in the rural west. They offer a large selection of phone models including Smart phones. They support Lifeline service but at an abnormally high rate.

CLEAR WIRELESS
Clear, also known as ClearWire, is primarily a Wireless Internet Service Provider using "WiMAX" technology in the 2.5 GHz band. Clear provides a fast broadband service, Clear calls its service "4G", but their actual speeds vary considerably based on the newness of their network and the development of the technology. Clear is available in limited areas and you can use it for your mobile or home data needs as long as you are within their coverage. Currently their coverage is limited to populated areas and often does not work in a moving, mobile environment. Clear's service is also being offered by other communications companies like Sprint, Comcast, Time-Warner, Google and others, usually under their own brand name. There is no 4G off-network roaming service available, however, some equipment offers 3G roaming on the existing Sprint 3G network. Clear provides service with home modems, Voice over IP, USB modems for mobile devices, or a WiMAX-ready laptop. Clear has reported financial challenges which have halted their expansion plans.

CRICKET
Cricket offers Unlimited wireless usage for one price, but coverage may be a little spotty. For the price, it may work well for you or your family. They have a variety of plans. With Unlimited usage, the circuits sometimes become overloaded. All plans now feature "Nationwide" service through roaming partners, which includes Unlimited Talk & Text but not for wireless modems. Roaming partners include the Sprint CDMA network and the Mexico CDMA network. Cricket is still adding coverage in their own markets. You can use Cricket to replace a home wireline. Plans start in the $30's. Cricket also offers reasonable Unlimited Broadband access which is limited to their own network, and supplies a USB modem that plugs in to your laptop. Cricket has several additional features including Unlimited calls to Mexico. They also can provide an incoming number in a foreign country for free calls from that country to your Cricket phone. Cricket now offers their wireless service "nationwide" with an agreement to use the Sprint 3G network in non-Cricket markets.

Pros: Talk as much as you want, no contract, most data & digital services are included, good 3G Broadband service, Unlimited Talk and Text coverage that includes all US metro markets and several rural areas, voice roaming in Mexico is available as low as .25/minute.

Cons: You must pre-pay, broadband access is limited to the Cricket network, expect some dropped calls when circuits are busy. Their pay-as-you-go plans are only available up to one month at a time. Roaming is required in many major markets. Off-network usage is limited and excessive roaming may cause account termination. Accessing Cricket's customer service takes longer than average.
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ILLINOIS VALLEY CELLULAR
Illinois Valley serves a small rural area south and west of Chicago with very good 3G coverage. They offer reasonable plans, including Unlimited and National plans, but charge extra for voice mail and Text. They have different levels of Unlimited service as cheap at $18 per month. If you qualify for their Lifeline plans it can be even cheaper. They have a moderate selection of CDMA phones include Smart phones.

I WIRELESS
This is Iowa's affiliate of T-mobile. Coverage is good in most of their service area. Plans are similar to T-Mobile's and promotions include lots of minutes. They also have a Calling Circle-type plan that includes 5 numbers on any network. They have a reasonable National Unlimited plan. Their Prepaid plans are not as versatile as T-Mobile's. Most iWireless native coverage is in the eastern, central and northwestern parts of the state, with Des Moines served by T-Mobile. iWireless also serves parts of extreme northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin, which would work for people who find themselves often crossing the Mississippi River.

NEXTEL
Nextel is a of part Sprint and in some offers, Sprint hides Nextel's features. The combo has allowed the two networks to start sharing cell sites to improve coverage. Nextel's spectrum is made up from a bunch of 2-way radio channels, and they suffer from marginal audio in some markets. Their coverage and quality varies by market. They cover urban areas and some interstates, but there is little roaming elsewhere in the state. They have an efficient 'walkie-talkie' feature which is handy for businesses and families who want to contact each other as quickly as possible. Some of their plans aren't very competitive, but they do offer free incoming calls. They use 850 MHz so they have a strong signal in most areas. Sprint has announced they are not improving or expanding the Nextel network. and will turn off the current iDEN service in 2013 and use the 800 MHz channels for Sprint CDMA service. Some Boost Mobile handsets use the Nextel network and is a good option for Unlimited Voice and Text. For as long as it lasts, Nextel offers international roaming in a handful of other countries in North and South America, including Mexico, some with Free Internet access.
Pros: The Direct Connect is a handy 'walkie-talkie' service, they have robust coverage within their service area.
Cons: Some markets have poor audio, they also have coverage limits and very limited roaming, most of their phones are big and lack variety. Nextel does not have fast broadband features, neither the network nor the coverage are being upgraded. Sprint has not treated Nextel customers as well as those using the Sprint network. Many new Nextel customers are being giving Sprint-branded phones, so you may not be using the network you think you are. The Nextel network will be converted to CDMA by 2013.
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SIMMETRY WIRELESS
Simmetry is a GSM carrier located along the extreme western edge of Illinois, with additional coverage extended across the river into the Missouri suburbs of Hannibal, IL. They have a large selection of plans, they call them "simple", but we find them rather complicated. They offer a plan as low as $13, but voice mail and other features are extra. There are 6 levels of plans each with different variations based on the number of features or minutes included. Complexity isn't a bad thing. You can build the exact plan you need, including Local, Unlimited, National, Prepaid and Data plans. If you need a lot of Nationwide minutes they are very overpriced. They have a good selection of GSM phones including Smart phones. They claim they are improving coverage within their service area to offer a superior signal. Simmetry offers international calling and GSM roaming on most cruise ships and in almost a dozen foreign countries including Mexico. They are part of the Adams telephone Co-op of Golden, IL, which normally means customer service should be better than average. They have several local retail outlets.

SPRINT
Sprint has a national, feature-rich digital network. Their coverage is a little "fragile", but where it's good, it's very good. Sprint has a good selection of phones. Their plans include the ability to roam on other systems. They offer an inexpensive "basic" plan for only $30 per month. They also offer a few Unlimited plans with lots of features included. Sprint has added service by taking over parts of some carriers' networks, and "sharing" spectrum with others. Sprint merged with Nextel which has created some beneficial network configurations, including sharing of cell sites. Sprint phones normally prefer the network which, where available, gives Sprint customers the best data throughput. Some Sprint phones have the ability to force the phone to "Roam Only", helping you use the strongest network, however there is a limit to how much roaming you can do, generally 50%. Also, newer phones lack that feature. Sprint does not offer their own branded prepaid service but owns Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile prepaid and others. If you are considering Sprint 4G service, keep in mind they use a completely separate network for 4G coverage supplied in partnership with Clear Wireless. Therefore, having good local Sprint Voice/Text or 3G data coverage is no guarantee of adequate 4G coverage.
Pros: Sprint gives you good value for your money, but is not necessarily the cheapest. Sprint covers every urban area in the US, maintains local stores, good roaming capabilities, their digital and data features work very well, they have a good selection of phones. Sprint has good roaming agreements in most areas of the country.
Cons: You might find a weak area right where you want coverage, some of their plans are not very competitive, customer service is a notch below average, 4G coverage uses a different frequency band and network than other Sprint coverage, Unlimited plans do not include unlimited usage while roaming, except for "Simply Everything" plans.
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T-MOBILE
T-Mobile works very well within their own GSM service area. While they have a slight disadvantage with their higher PCS frequency, they make up for it with strategically-located sites. T-Mobile doesn't serve many rural areas, but provides coverage along most major rural highways. They do offer coverage from roaming partners in rural areas, and the network is still growing, although often they're just 'filling in' already-served areas. They offer some handy features including several family-friendly services with a number of ways to control device usage. They offer a number of plans that allow you to choose between subsidized handsets and non-contract pricing. Many of their phones allow "Hot Spot" access which keeps usage costs down. They have plans that include unlimited voice and messaging, they offer nearly nationwide service with both their own network and extensive roaming agreements. T-Mobile charges extraordinarily high roaming rates outside of the US and much higher than average Long Distance charges to foreign phone numbers. Expect improving roaming capabilities with the recently failed deal with AT&T.

Pros: Generous included-minute plans, National and Unlimited plans, good urban coverage, good roaming capabilities including internationally. They offer both 3G and 4G coverage, competitive data pricing and 'hot spot' access. They have very good customer service and a very good selection of phone models. They have an excellent Prepaid plan that includes a good amount of North American roaming.

Cons: Some weak spots, limited data bandwidth in some areas, very high international roaming charges. Higher speed services require the use of higher frequency cellular bands which may restrict coverage and data roaming capabilities. There has been some reduction of voice and text roaming capabilities as some old roaming agreements expire, but we expect this to improve shortly.
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TRACFONE
Tracfone isn't an actual cellular carrier but is a major supplier of wireless phones and offers service in most areas of the state. They are the largest prepaid cellular company and arrange for their phones to use whichever wireless carrier is available in a given geographic area. As a result, Tracfone actually has more included roaming coverage available than perhaps any other single company. Their price points start below $9 a month and offer all the advantages of prepaid services. They also feature monthly plans and offer promotions with bonus minutes, and plans with 365-day expiration. Their service is mostly limited to Voice and Text but does support data use of some of their phones. They offer the option of having the charges deducted from your credit card or checking account automatically, eliminating the need to renew on an exact expiration date. TracFone offers Free international calls to about 60 countries by calling a special access number, and with their International Neighbors features, they provide a local number in Mexico or Canada for incoming calls from those countries at local rates for both callers. Tracfone offers additional plan options, including Unlimited plans, through NET10.
Pros: Coverage and Local service is available virtually everywhere in the US, good price plans with no roaming or long distance charges, Local numbers in all markets, included Long Distance calling to 60 countries.
Cons: They have a small selection of phones, coverage is determined by the phone model (CDMA or GSM) which may limit your roaming coverage or phone selection, you can only use one of their phones, no roaming outside the US.
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US CELLULAR
US Cellular is a good company that offers good coverage, good plans and lots of features, and a good selection of CDMA phones. Unlimited incoming calls are available on most plans. In some plans, Nights & Weekends begin at 7pm. They offer a large selection of phones including Smart phones. They have very good roaming capabilities. While their plans aren't overpriced, their price points are rather high but the extra cost gives you Unlimited Text and Data. Most of their network uses the superior 800 MHz frequency band, but in Chicago they use 1900 MHz frequencies which has more dead spots. Most of their network provides 3G coverage. They have a number of customer-friendly features like no requirements to renew contracts, free replacement phones, usage notifications and free battery swaps and accessories. Overall, they sit at the top of the Mountain Wireless Network Ratings.

Pros: Their price plans include lots of features and benefits "Unlimited" calling plans available, roaming has good coverage, including for 3G coverage and data roaming. They have very good customer service and do indeed seem to give an 'edge' to the consumer when there are problems.
Cons: Plans aren't cheap but you might be able to configure your plan to economize based on your usage.

VERIZON WIRELESS
Verizon has the largest network, geographically, in the US. They have taken over a large portion of the old Alltel network and are now dominant in rural America. Their claim to fame is superior coverage on their CDMA network, especially in the west. They use PCS frequencies in a few areas, but they have constructed those networks well. In the few places where they don't have their own coverage, they have roaming agreements with other carriers, normally ones with superior coverage. Therefore, their "National" plans, which include almost all of the country, are about as close to "wall-to-wall" as you can get. Their reasonably-priced plans have no roaming or long distance charges, and they also throw in Unlimited Night and Weekend minutes as well as Unlimited calls among Verizon Wireless users both on and off their own network (there are a few exceptions). They offer fairly competitive prices, and often have promotions. They also offer plans that include Unlimited Voice and other features at various fixed price levels. Data service is excellent with various price plans. Verizon forces their phone manufacturers to offer a "standardized" user interface, limiting menu and font variations. This could mean the screen appearance may not be to your liking or the fonts may be too small. Smart and data-type phones require a per-Mb plan. They have the largest area of 3G coverage in the US and now offer faster 4G service in many major cities and major airports in additional markets.

Pros: Verizon has reasonably-priced plans, "Unlimited" calling plans available, extensive coverage, wide-ranging National plans, excellent customer service and some 'customer-friendly' policies. With such a large coverage area of their own, little roaming is necessary, and their roaming partners normally have superior coverage. They offer a large variety of phones including the Apple iPhone

Cons: Some Verizon plans are a little more expensive, Customer Service closes at 11pm, but technical assistance is available 24/7. They 'cripple' some User Interface functions like larger fonts: make sure you can read their submenus before buying. They require more expensive Data plans for any data-capable phone. Some of their data services are not available while roaming. CDMA phones roam in a limited number of foreign countries but Verizon can provide a hybrid loaner phone that will work both in the US and most foreign countries.
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