Wireless Voice

Wireless Voice Thoughts

No matter how you cut it, choosing your wireless plan will take some work - even if you do have a very good idea how you plan on using your

 phone and phone service as well as how many minutes per month you use, and where you use them from. And then, once you've chosen your plan, you'll still have to choose a phone that "fits" the plan (data or no data, cheap or "cool" (we'll try to help you out on our Wireless Phones Ratings and Review page.

Watch out for those "extra" charges (or just bundle them in!) for things like text messaging, ringtones, screen savers, games, email, picture and video messaging and even additional Wi-Fi services to go along with traditional data services for your phone.  There's a lot to think about and consider (and don't forget the tax on your service)...and it all "adds up".

So let's take a look at how we rate the wireless service providers (NOTE:  plans and pricing in your area my vary from those reviewed on this page.  We have looked at plans in Dallas, TX.  Check locally to get the plans and pricing available in your area.)

Let's get to it.  Our review of Wireless Voice Services and Service Providers follows.   (Note:  If you don't recall our rating system:  Rating Guide.)

Web Home Office Reports

Wireless Voice Services Review

Wireless Voice Services and Service Providers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Alltel

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Alltel's service plans are divided into three main package types - national with no long distance or roaming fees, national with no long distance or roaming fees within the Alltel footprint (check coverage before you buy), local and prepaid.

Cost - $$$1/2

We've included a look at the Alltel Plans below (Dallas).  Night Minutes are Monday through Thursday 9 PM to 5:59 AM, weekend minutes are Friday 9 PM to Monday.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If used with discretion - your wireless phone is a great time saver! 

Ease of Use - @@@@

The services are good - the question is more about the phone in the usability department.

Works With - YYYY

Alltel services are CDMA-based.

Support - pppp

Alltel has a 15 day service guarantee.  If you don't like the service you can return your phone and cancel without paying a termination fee.  Alltel technical support is available via email and at their "800" number 24x7.

Features - iiii

Alltel delivers all of the features and functions a home business owner requires - including (for an extra charge) email, text messaging and web access.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Alltel is a solid provider of wireless services, but their national footprint is not as extensive as some of their competition.  If you live in one of their "home" markets and do most of your work locally, they are a good choice.
 

AT&T

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

A rich set of wireless plans are available from AT&T. AT&T is well known for its strategy of letting you "roll over" your unused minutes for 12 months on plans of $39.99 and above (read that fine print).  That's the good thing about AT&T.  The bad is that their contractual commitment is 2 years (with the exception of Pick Your Plan and Pay-as-You-Go Services). 

Cost - $$$1/2

We've included a look at the AT&T Plans below (Dallas).  All of their plans include standard features like 3-Way Calling, Caller ID, Call Waiting, and Basic Voice Mail.  The things to watch out for in AT&T's pricing are the additional minute charges.