Alltel area GSM

Well guys and gals, the first Alltel markets have been converted to AT&T. I've read a few reports from people in these early markets. There are pros and cons and I don't have much to say for Alltel customers yet. No good data card speed numbers, wide area coverage comparisons, anything like that yet. What I do have, based mostly on AT&T's newest coverage map posted to their site is the answer to one of my big questions - what about GSM? See, AT&T uses two network technologies - GSM and UMTS. Almost all UMTS phones work on GSM. UMTS is simply "3GSM" or "3G GSM" to many. But see, the networks are separate. And GSM phones don't work on UMTS. Furthermore, most AT&T UMTS phones don't work on T-Mobile GSM; and most T-Mobile GSM phones don't work on AT&T UMTS. The "bands" - the slices of radio space used - are different. Even for phones that do work, as far as I know, AT&T and T-Mobile's roaming agreement doesn't allow UMTS roaming. Tracfone and most other prepaid handsets are cheap and strictly GSM.

Alltel, also, is a multi-tech company. They run CDMA and GSM. However, the GSM coverage area is far smaller than the CDMA coverage area. The Alltel GSM network is truly bad and exists only to provide roaming service for people who'd otherwise have no coverage. It's not a truly usable network for most people.

Well, what about GSM? We hear all this talk of 3G from AT&T, and never the letters GSM used in any official written communication. Alltel employees have mentioned GSM, but UMTS (3G) is part of the GSM family. To most people they're one and the same. But I've been suspicious all along, based on official filings and written communications, that GSM wasn't going to happen in the divested areas.

Unfortunately, it looks like I was right. The first markets have been added to AT&T's coverage map. 3G only. Former Alltel GSM is still listed as "partner" coverage. It's still not listed at all on the GoPhone map (even though several reports online indicate AT&T GoPhone's now work on the Alltel network at least in Montana). And that's not for lack of map updates - the 3G is all there in Nevada today. There's even a new category on the GoPhone map - "3G GoPhone - requires 3G capable handset" that applies to the Alltel converted markets. Reports on HowardForums indicate that when the phones fall back to GSM (as has happened to one person) it's the same old poor coverage GSM there is now.

Thus, it appears obvious that not only has AT&T not upgraded GSM, that AT&T GSM's future in our markets is bleak. AT&T hasn't even gone so far as to change the "partner" designation of the Alltel GSM network (even in Nevada) to native. Of course, that can be simply the time it takes to do the street-level thing AT&T does for native coverage. More bleak is that said "partner" coverage hasn't been added to the GoPhone map. Most concerning of all, however, is the new "3G GoPhone - requires 3G capable handset" designation.

That indicates to me that not only is the GSM not being improved, it may even disappear entirely. Unlike the CDMA network, I know of no FCC/DOJ mandate for AT&T to keep the Alltel GSM network. They may have contractual obligations with T-Mobile as part of the spectrum leasing agreement Western Wireless created (basically a somehow-legal non-compete agreement).

I have several friends who have T-Mobile prepaid. The $15/month unlimited texting is perfect for kids. My grandma has it because once you get Gold Rewards it's dirt cheap to maintain for an emergency phone. Obviously, T-Mobile roams on MTPCS CellularOne here so it's not a huge concern in Montana. But the additional coverage of GSM on the whole Alltel network would've been a good thing. Even more importantly, however, is what this will mean for T-Mobile, GSM Tracfone, etc customers in the Dakotas. Most of the Dakotas have no other GSM network. At best, it means that things aren't getting any better. At worst, well, who knows what AT&T has planned. But it's really curious.

Also, it's worth a last note that some Alltel customers might have an interest in AT&T having a good GSM network here - the Alltel BlackBerry Tour and Alltel BlackBerry Bold are GSM compatible, and can be used post-transition. But only on GSM, not on UMTS. If AT&T doesn't improve - or even makes worse/dismantles - the Alltel GSM network here, well, then that won't be a viable option unless you like really bad coverage.

Anyone know anything they can say for sure or simply share in my curious observations?