Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

I live in ND and Alltel is merging with AT&T in Feb. I must pick out new phones to use on the AT&T network. I currently have a 2 year old Blackberry. My free choices are a Blackberry Curve, an HTC Avia or a Palm Pre (which I have eliminated). My primary needs include good picture taking, easy to read big screen, ease of use and email.

If I so choose, I may extend my contract by 2 years and choose between a Blackberry Torch for $100, or a Samsung Captivate for $200. My fear there is I could be stuck for 2 more years if I do one of those and I don't know what to expect from AT&T. My only other carrier choice here is Verizon, but I've been happy with Alltel for many years.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this dilemma? Thanks in advance.

Reply 1 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

I'd buy an unlocked/unbranded or unsubsidized ATT branded handset which does not force you to enter into another contract before knowing what service/reception you will be actually receiving. Since you will not be in a 3G service area, you could grab even a cheap gophone from Target or Wal mart to test out how ATT does in your neck of the woods. Verizon may be a good alternative so you at least wouldn't have to necessarily commit to ATT.

ATT does sell SIM only service, but in your case you will likely have to push hard for this since they want to lock you into some sort of contract.

There will be more info on how to do this over at howardforums.com. Some other folks who were in areas formerly service by Alltel (divested areas now w/ ATT) have commented on their specifics, AFAIK.

Reply 2 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Are you sure Alltel merged with AT&T? I'm out in CA/AZ and Alltel merged with Verizon here. My ex husband was using Alltel with his school district and is now on Verizon since the merge.

Either way, I think both AT&T or Verizon will prove to be good unless you are in some rural area. I have the Samsung Fascinate and am very happy with it. The Fascinate is with Verizon, but it's almost exactly like the Captivate (on AT&T). The only issues being that it has some gps issues (which I hear will be fixed or better with Android 2.2)...and Android 2.2. Both phones are working off Android 2.1, but from all I hear, 2.2 should be available to the Samsung Galaxy S series phones "soon". LOL

Reply 3 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Alltel did not merge w/ At&t in any way. Alltel merged w/ Verizon and some markets were sold to At&t because of FCC requirements for the merger. Alltel did have some markets that were GSM-only (most of which At&t gained).

The same thing happened in 2005 when Cingular bought out the original AT&T Wireless and some markets were required to be sold to T-mobile.

Reply 4 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Actually, Alltel and Verizon did merge, but the FCC did not allow it in ND, SD and Northern Mn due to monopoly issues. So, now, Alltel is merging with AT&T in these areas only, effective late Feb.

So, if I take one of the two choices that allow me to keep my plan as is for now(Blackberry Curve or HTC Aria), which one would you recommend?

Reply 5 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Personally...I'm an Android fan. I say go with the HTC if you can only choose between the two. Android has a lot of cool features. If you want to see more about the phone or look up more about Android, check out the androidforums.com It's a great resource

Reply 6 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

you can choose one of the free replacement phones that they are offering and keep your plan as is and have upto 30 days to make any changes, if you dont like the phone, plan or service you can opt out with out fear of being charged with and ETF (early termination fee)

Reply 7 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

You have 30 days from the start day of AT&T service to opt out and go with another carrier. That is possibly what I am going to do with my 2 phones.

Reply 8 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

The OP started it in Nov. 2010.