Mountain Wireless-Wyoming Cellular Reviews

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Wyoming Cellular Reviews
General Wyoming Observations: Alltel is the coverage and plan leader of the state, with Verizon Wireless very close behind. However, Wyoming's own Union Wireless does a very good job, especially across the western half of the state. AT&T is currently available only in Jackson, but will eventually be taking over the Alltel network, improving their position in Wyoming significantly. There are a few small carriers that do a respectable job locally, and may provide the best signal in some small communities. I-80 in Wyoming is one of the few Interstate highways with dead zones for all carriers, but they are short.

ALLTEL Virtually all of the remaining Alltel network in the state is to be purchased by AT&T. Parts of the Alltel network in other areas have been sold to Verizon Wireless, AT&T and ATN, the parent company of Commnet Wireless. There will be a transition period into 2011 during which Alltel customers will be notified of the changes to their account and service. Current plans will be maintained, you can continue to use your Alltel phone as usual, and the changeover will be relatively painless. Eventually, you will be offered a new AT&T phone and, most likely, be assigned a new AT&T plan. With a new phone you will be using the AT&T GSM network, some of which will be using different cell sites, which may affect coverage. While there is some uncertainty in a transition like this, previous changes to AT&T have gone smoothly. There is no harm in signing up as a new Alltel customer today, the changeover process will continue to at least the end of 2010 and your service may not change until 2011. Most of your coverage will be similar to what Alltel is today, and you will eventually be able to use AT&T's entire network and features, including the iPhone. Just don't fall in love with a new Alltel CDMA phone...AT&T will need to eventually replace it. They may not have an exact GSM replacement, but they do have a large number of choices. Until then, you can use your Alltel phone across most of the country and get excellent coverage and reliable data service. Alltel phones currently prefer the Verizon network when roaming. After the transition, your roaming coverage may change noticeably. Alltel still offers some attractive plans that will be available at least through the transition. Expect some of this to change under AT&T. Currently, new Alltel customers are required to only sign a 1-year contract. Alltel currently supports low-cost "Lifeline" plans. Pros: Good coverage, very good prices, a variety of plans, good customer service, good broadband services including while roaming. Cons: The uncertainty of the transition to AT&T is a little unsettling and it involves eventually switching to a new GSM phone. Coverage may change and you may be required to change plans. Overall, service will improve for most customers, but can worsen for some. Get Web-Only Discounts on Alltel Phones

AT&T Review

AT&T
AT&T is what was once Cingular, which was part of SBC, which took over AT&T Wireless and took AT&T's name. They have a large GSM network, but in the west, have a lot less developed spectrum than in the rest of the country. That is about to change with AT&T's acquisition of Alltel Wireless in 74 markets being divested by Verizon Wireless. Currently in the west, they have weak coverage away from urban areas and interstate highways. They claim that their Alltel purchases will all be converted to 3G GSM within a year of closing. Parts of the Alltel network already provide GSM coverage. However, improvements realized from the Alltel acquisition may not show in better coverage until 2011. Currently with GSM, AT&T will roam more readily internationally, but there are areas in the US with no GSM coverage. AT&T's takeover of several cellular networks has improved their service in some areas already, including Alaska. AT&T offers a good 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. In several markets where AT&T operates at 1900 MHz only, we have been disappointed. However, 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 that uses the AT&T network exclusively. It has overloaded their system resulting in dropped calls, interrupted data and slower service.

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 good selection of phones. Improvements in coverage have been substantial in some areas, lacking in others. Excellent international roaming capabilities. Additions of Alltel, Unicel and Centennial network purchases will 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 as CDMA, customer service varies from above to below average, some markets have a large number of dropped calls caused by large data users.
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CELLULAR ONE (MTPCS)
This Cellular One thinks they are the only Cellular One in the US, so we need to add their corporate moniker, "MTPCS", formerly Chinook Wireless. In Montana and Wyoming they have good coverage and they are adding new cell sites, bringing new GSM service to several areas that include parts of Wyoming. In Texas and Oklahoma, they have acquired existing cellular networks spun off by other companies. There is no relationship between Cellular One/MTPCS and any of the old Cellular One networks. In Montana and Wyoming you are dealing with local people. They offer all the digital goodies and have a reasonable selection of phones. In TX and OK they are in transition and you are better to deal with the their local stores. The have many choices of plans and some of them are quite reasonable, and they support Lifeline plans. They use GSM technology which offers phones that, in some markets, are not available elsewhere. Pros: Local folks in Montana and Wyoming, they offer a variety of competitively-priced plans including various options of National plans and Local and National Unlimited plans with a 'balance' of roaming and local minutes, a 'rollover'-type option, good customer service local stores. Cons: Their MT/WY coverage is weak away from main roads and outside of populated areas, in Texas and Oklahoma, their service is 'in transition' and coverage and service issues are confusing.
Cellular One/MTPCS Local Coverage Maps

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 is more robust in certain areas than others. They cover urban areas and some interstates, but there is little roaming elsewhere in the state. They have an efficient '2-way' radio 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. Boost Mobile uses the Nextel network and it a good option for Unlimited Voice and Text. Rumors come up from time to time that Sprint wants to sell off the Nextel network, which may or may not include Nextel customers.
Pros: The Direct Connect is a handy 'walkie-talkie' service, 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.
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SILVER STAR WIRELESS
This is a small system set up by the local wireline telephone company south of the Jackson Hole, WY area. This is a mountainous and sparsely-populated area. They have a good selection of CDMA phones. They offer a wide range of plans that include their own coverage area and several other Intermountain areas, a multi-state region that includes the mountain states, California, and an eighth state of your choosing, or a National plan. They have a reasonable selection of phones including several Blackberry models. They have some attractive promotions. Pros: They may have the best coverage in their small area where other providers have dead spots, they offer most of the latest digital features, they have a large selection of plans, they should have good customer service, 'bundling' should be available. Cons: Their service area is tiny and at PCS frequencies they may have quite a few 'holes', some of their plans are overpriced.

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 in many systems when away from their own coverage, as well as any National plan. 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. 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. 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.
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SYRINGA WIRELESS
This small carrier is a combination of local PCS carriers and co-op telephone companies in SE Idaho and western WY. They offer Local, Regional and National plans, but they are a bit overpriced when any extra-minute features are added. They have a $20 plan as well as Unlimited plans. Coverage is good through their home area. They are very local so customer service is above average. The company is named after the Idaho state flower.

STRATA NETWORKS
The wireless division of the Uintah Basin Telephone Association, now known as Strata Networks, covers northeastern Utah around Vernal and surrounding areas of Wyoming and Colorado. They offer additional Local coverage in an "Extended" area. Their own cellular system has good coverage and offers free Long Distance. They have many plans including a $20 "Security" plan, National plans with no roaming charges, and Local and National "Unlimited" plans. Some plans are very generous with some helpful add-ons. They offer a good selection of phones including smart phones and air cards. They have a promotion to pay your Early Termination Fee if you leave your current wireless provider while still under contract.
Strata Network's Wireless Coverage Map
Strata Network's Extended Local Wireless Coverage Map.

TRACFONE
Tracfone isn't an actual cellular carrier but is a major supplier of cellular phones and service. They are the largest prepaid wireless 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. They offer price points that start as low as $8.33 a month and offer all the advantages of prepaid services. They offer several promotions with bonus minutes, and offer plans with 365-day expiration. Their service is mostly limited to Voice and Text but does support data use of their web-capable phones. While their plans are Prepaid, they offer the option of having the fees deducted from your account automatically, eliminating the need to renew on an exact expiration date. TracFone offers Free international calls to 60 countries by calling a special number, and with their International Neighbors features, can 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 through NET10, and Unlimited plans with STRAIGHT TALK. Pros: Coverage and Local service, available virtually everywhere in the US, good price plans, no roaming or long distance charges, Local numbers in all markets, included Long Distance calling to 60 countries. Cons: You must use their own branded phones, no smart phones, coverage is determined by the phone model (CDMA or GSM) which may limit your roaming coverage.
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UBET WIRELESS
UBET Wireless and the UBTA-UBET Telephone Cooperative have changed their name to Strata Networks.

UNION WIRELESS
Serving Wyoming and adjacent areas of Northwest Colorado and northeast Utah, Union has very good coverage in most areas. In some they are the only game in town. They are adding new cell sites at a rapid rate. They use GSM technology and are one of the few companies offering "Telular" service, a wireless service connected to home wiring. They offer reasonable plans starting at $30 with Unlimited Text and Internet as reasonably-priced add-ons. Unlimited plans are available as well as a Calling Circle plan allowing free calls to up to 10 numbers on any network. Bundles are available. They have more roaming agreements covering a bigger footprint than any one of the large wireless carriers, with international roaming agreements with providers in many foreign countries.
Pros: It is a small company with generally good coverage and better than average customer service, they are the only carrier available in some areas of Wyoming, they offer most digital features in their monthly plans, many of which are quite generous. Cons: While their western WY and northwestern Colorado coverage is very good, coverage in the eastern half of Wyoming is limited to in-town and along interstate highways, although they are adding new sites in these areas.
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VERIZON WIRELESS
Verizon is the largest cellular carrier in the US. They have taken over a large portion of the Alltel network and are now dominant in rural America. Cellular service in a few of Alltel's local markets are being sold to other companies, but no Verizon coverage will be lost. Their claim to fame is superior coverage, especially in the west. They use PCS frequencies only 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.

Pros: Verizon has reasonably-priced plans, "Unlimited" calling plans available, extensive coverage, wide-ranging National plans, excellent customer service and 'customer-friendly' policies. With such a large coverage area of their own little roaming is necessary, but their roaming partners normally have superior coverage. Cons: Some Verizon plans are a little more expensive, Customer Service closes at 11pm, but technical assistance is available 24/7, there are some billing transition concerns as they take over other carriers, they don't offer as many "cute" phones, they 'cripple' some User Interface functions like larger fonts: make sure you can read their submenus before buying. Some of their data services are not available while roaming.
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VIAERO WIRELESS
Viaero is a GSM carrier that uses 800 MHz Cellular channels in eastern Colorado, and 1900 MHz PCS channels in Nebraska and Kansas. Colorado coverage is excellent, the other parts of the network are very good along most roads and in towns, but slightly weaker in some spots in between. You can request to have them build a tower near you if you can come up with enough neighbors' signatures. They offer very reasonable on-network "Unlimited" plans, including one intended for fixed location (home) use. They have discounts for people on various support programs. They're a good substitute for a wireline in most areas. They have a large number of reasonable plans including several Unlimited and 'calling-circle' plans. They now offer to pay the Early Termination Fee if you leave another carrier before your contract with them is completed. Pros: They offer lots of price points in their plans, including Local and National plans, good to excellent coverage, good customer service, many local stores. Cons: The network outside Colorado is a little more "fragile", but it beats the competition, and you can ask them to add a tower!

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