Alltel doesn't offer local numbers in Chicago yet, but I kept them because their plan features are very competetive and I've been a happy customer for more than 5 years. Punching in *228 yields a "Welcome to Verizon Wireless" greeting, indicating that I'm using Verizon towers. Because I have a national plan, however, I never get any roaming charges. My phone is a tri-mode and gets reception pretty much anywhere you would expect it. For example, I have perfect reception in my high rise building and in Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but will drop calls in the elevators of either building. I lose calls in the El and in some of the bigger malls / department stores (the Nordstrom downtown and Target in Lincoln park come to mind). I hope that Alltel eventually gets rights to local numbers here because I've been very happy with them. For people that have been unhappy with Verizon service, I would recommend taking a look at your phone. Make sure it receives at least two digital frequencies---but three are even better (e.g. two digital / 1 analog mode)!

Great coverage... if you want to pay roaming fees. Alltel is roaming all over Chicago. I haven't found one area where I won't incurr roaming fees.

No reception whatsoever

When I moved here (2002) had Verizon (did not work indoors) switched to Cingular (much better - could actually use the phone in my 2 flat). After Cingular / AT&T merger, phone worked fine for awhile - now NO reception inside or outside. (Remember how AT&T used to gouge land line users? They're baaaack!) Still hate AT&T.

LG gets poor reception, razor (old phone) had better reception, but the signal has definitely diminished significantly since over the past few weeks. What is AT&T doing? When Cingular, everything was fine -- now nothing. What gives?? (Oh yeah, that's right -- your CUSTOMERS!) What are we paying for? Dropped CALLS!

I use this phone on my job's dime on AT&T. Useless when I'm home. Luckily my main phone is on T-Mobile which works perfectly. Too bad, I'd like to get an iphone.

I this phone on my job's dime on AT&T. Useless when I'm home. Luckily my main phone is on T-Mobile which works perfectly. Too bad, I'd like to get an iphone.

Great coverage and I always have full bars anywhere in my home or on the street. Apparently, ATT coverage has improved.

Reception up here is horrible! I tried calling AT+T to complain, they said coverage should be fine because there is a tower 1 mile south and another 1 mile north... . Please call and place a complaint, maybe if enough of us call they'll add a tower. We live in a major city we should have service in our homes.

I am in my room, 2 floor and have never had any reception issue. My roommate has Sprint and he has to go to the deck. I think AT&T it is very decent.