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I've been with Alltel, previously First Cellular, and they've always had a really good network here. Before First Cellular was bought out by Alltel, I would occasionally have problems not being able to use my phone out of the area. But with Alltel, I guess they're a bigger company or something and my phone works basically wherever I go and I frequently travel to Northern Illinois and down into Tennessee. I would highly suggest Alltel because their network was built by a local company that really knew the area well. Carrier Mills and Harrisburg have great coverage that's pretty much blanketed over the area. There's nowhere my signal drops to where I can't make a call but it's basically always on at least 4 bars (out of 5) and usually a full signal (5 of 5). Anybody using Verizon always falls back onto Alltel, but to me that doesn't make a lot of sense because Verizon gives fewer minutes, charges more for many plans, charges more for texting, and I really like Alltel's unlimited calling to 10 number feature. Alltel has just treated us well but most importantly has good coverage at a better price than others offer here, even though I wish they would all lower prices.

I have noticed that I had been getting 1 to no bars in Carrier Mills Il.(east Walnut St.) unless I went north of town. It seems within the last week I have 4 to 5 bars. I can only assume that there was a tower put up, or fixed. I have only had Cingular service since Dec. 26 '05, and I think it is a good service to have thus far. Now that I have 4 to 5 bars, i'm very happy with the sevice in Carrier Mills Il. To go further with that, I get descent service from here to Harrisburg Il. only cutting out a little or getting a very low signal in between. The signal in Harrisburg Il. is very good(4 to 5 bars) in most of the town. I would at this point recommend Cingular for those who travel between Harrisburg Il. to Marion Il. It really competes with Verizon in these areas as well. It also supprisingly competes with Verizon from Carrier Mills to Vienna Il.(rt.45) with as good of a signal if not better than Verizon. After this week(if the signal remains the same at this time) I would recommend Cingular in the area of Carrier Millls, Harrisburg, Marion Il. If you live on Rt.145 between Harrisburg Il. to Metropolis Il. I strongly suggest not to get Cingular. There is little to no service at all(Verizon too from what I have experienced). First Cellular would be your best bet probably(not that I would ever promote them).

Reception is poor in Carrier Mills with Verizon service, but workable. 0-1 bars on my Razr but I've not had a call dropped. Generally calls go out from the Harrisburg tower, but on occasion my phone will switch to the "extended network" where it will hit off of Alltell's local tower. I believe there is a new tower going up at the intersection of Pankey and Walnut Grove roads that I've heard may be a Verizon tower. Anyone know?