Alltel rolls out Boingo-powered nationwide WiFi service

Although Alltel is busy courting Verizon's amorous advances, it looks like the carrier is still serious about rolling with the big boys -- it's just announced a nationwide WiFi service powered by Boingo. Subscribers can opt for $20/mo or $4/day plans, and score access at over 25,000 hotspots in airports, hotels, bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. Alltel wireless customers can also opt for the $70/mo Internet Anywhere bundle, which gives you unlimited EVDO and WiFi access. Of course, all these plans could change when the Verizon deal finally goes down, but we'll see how that plays out in the future -- at least you're not being locked into a contract.

[grull27 @ Jun 26th 2008 1:27PM]

I don't understand this. Why don't they just let Verizon keep going with their Wifi service? They're merged now so there is no need for AllTell to create services that Verizon already has.

[kjb434 @ Jun 26th 2008 1:55PM]

They are not merged. They have expressed intent to merge, but it takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for it to become official. They have to get scrutinized by the SEC and other arms of the federal government including the FCC.

Alltel will continue to move full steam ahead as an independent carrier because the merger could fall through if the Feds don't want it. So the good part here is that the Alltel customers won't languish with crappy services and options waiting for the merger to go through to get Verizon's offerings.

[HalfJoey @ Jun 26th 2008 1:44PM]

Oingo-Boingo network? Aahahahaha

[Pochi @ Jun 26th 2008 1:59PM]

Anybody else anticipate this completely failing?

[irshliquor @ Jun 26th 2008 2:01PM]

test

[Tim @ Jun 26th 2008 2:06PM]

I'm just a little unclear - is this a service for Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi/EVDO Internet for laptops through an Internet-enabling plug-in card? Or is this Internet Access for phones & mobile devices? If this is for phones, would I need a qualifying voice plan?

Appreciate the follow-up!

[Jamar @ Jun 26th 2008 5:22PM]

I personally hope the merger doesn't happen. The last thing America needs is more consolidation in the wireless market.Especially with Helio being taken by Virgin, that leaves 4 or 5 major players in the market (Cricket... dunno if that's big enough to be major; same with Tracfone).

... then again, China only has three mobile carriers and it manages to offer dirt-cheap pricing and quality service. And before you all complain about terrain or something like that- China Mobile stuck towers on Mt. Everest; anything America has pales in comparison.