What Happened to Alltel and Where to Find Your Service Now

Alltel no longer operates as an independent wireless carrier in South Carolina

Alltel stopped offering wireless service under its own brand in 2013 when Verizon acquired the company's network and customer base. If you were an Alltel customer, your service transferred to Verizon at that time. Today, there is no Alltel network to join or switch to—the company exists only as a brand name that some regional carriers have licensed for prepaid phone plans.

If you're looking for wireless service in South Carolina and remember Alltel from the past, you have several paths forward. You can move to Verizon (which inherited Alltel's infrastructure), switch to another major carrier, or explore prepaid plans that still use the Alltel name through smaller regional providers. Understanding what happened to Alltel and what your actual options are now will help you choose the right carrier for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Alltel was purchased by Verizon in 2013, and all Alltel customers were moved to Verizon service at that time.
• You cannot sign up for new Alltel service through the original company because it no longer operates as a wireless carrier.
• Some regional carriers have licensed the Alltel brand name for prepaid plans, but these are not the same as the original Alltel network.
• If you were an Alltel customer, your service is now through Verizon unless you switched to a different carrier after the acquisition.

The history of Alltel and the Verizon acquisition

Alltel was a regional wireless carrier that operated across much of the United States, including South Carolina, for decades. The company built its own network infrastructure and served millions of customers with both contract and prepaid plans. In 2009, Verizon announced it would purchase Alltel's network and customer accounts, and the deal closed in 2013.

When Verizon took over, it did not keep Alltel as a separate brand. Instead, Verizon migrated all Alltel customers to its own network and billing system. Existing Alltel customers kept their phone numbers and coverage, but they became Verizon customers. Alltel's physical stores closed, and customer service moved to Verizon's operations. This was a complete transition, not a merger where both brands continued to operate.

What happened to Alltel customers after the acquisition

If you had an Alltel account in 2013, Verizon automatically transferred your service. You did not have to do anything—your phone kept working on Verizon's network using your existing number. Your bill and customer service contact information changed to Verizon, and you received new documentation reflecting the switch.

Some Alltel customers chose to leave Verizon after the acquisition and moved to AT&T, T-Mobile, or other carriers. If you did that at the time, you would have already switched. If you stayed with Verizon, you have been a Verizon customer for over a decade now, even if you think of yourself as an Alltel customer. Checking your current bill or calling your carrier will confirm which company you actually use today.

Alltel-branded prepaid plans available now

The Alltel name still appears on prepaid wireless plans, but these are not operated by the original Alltel company. Alltel Wireless is now a brand owned by Atlantis Plastics, a company that licenses the name to offer prepaid service. These plans run on networks operated by other carriers—typically T-Mobile or Verizon infrastructure—rather than on an independent Alltel network.

If you see an Alltel prepaid plan advertised online or in a store, it is a third-party prepaid offering, not a return of the original Alltel service. These plans may appeal to customers looking for budget-friendly prepaid options, but they carry no connection to the Alltel network that existed before 2013. Customer service, billing, and coverage depend on which underlying network the plan uses, not on Alltel branding.

Your wireless options in South Carolina today

South Carolina residents can choose from three major national carriers: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Each operates its own network infrastructure and offers both contract and prepaid plans. Coverage, pricing, and customer service vary by carrier and by location within the state. If you are currently with Verizon (as a former Alltel customer would be), you can stay with that carrier or switch to one of the others.

Beyond the major carriers, dozens of smaller wireless companies offer prepaid plans that run on one of the three major networks. These include Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile, and others. Some of these smaller carriers offer lower prices than the major carriers, though they may have fewer customer service options or slower data speeds during network congestion. Comparing plans across carriers and smaller providers will help you find the best fit for your budget and usage patterns.

How to check which carrier you use now

If you are unsure whether you are still on Verizon or have switched to another carrier, your bill will tell you immediately. Look at the top of your most recent phone bill—it will show the name of your current wireless company. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your phone's SIM card or look at your phone's settings under "About" or "Network" to find carrier information.

If you have been with the same carrier since before 2013 and you remember being an Alltel customer, you are almost certainly on Verizon. If you switched carriers at any point after 2013, you would know which one you chose. Confirming your current carrier takes less than a minute and will clarify your options if you are thinking about making a change.

Switching to a different carrier if you want to leave Verizon

If you are a Verizon customer (whether you realize it or not) and want to switch to AT&T, T-Mobile, or a prepaid provider, you can do so at any time. You will keep your existing phone number through a process called porting. Contact the new carrier you want to join and tell them you want to port your number from Verizon. They will handle the transfer, which usually takes a few hours to a day.

Before you switch, check whether your current phone will work on the new carrier's network. Different carriers use different technology standards, and not all phones work on all networks. The new carrier can tell you whether your phone is compatible. If it is not, you may need to buy a new phone, which the new carrier can often help you do as part of the switch. Comparing plans, coverage maps, and customer reviews across carriers will help you decide whether switching makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Alltel service in South Carolina today?

No. The original Alltel company no longer operates. If you see Alltel-branded prepaid plans online, they are run by a different company using the licensed Alltel name and run on T-Mobile or Verizon networks. You cannot sign up for service under the original Alltel network or company.

If I was an Alltel customer, am I still on that network?

No. All Alltel customers were moved to Verizon in 2013. If you have not switched carriers since then, you are a Verizon customer now, even if you still think of yourself as Alltel. Check your bill to confirm which carrier you use today.

Will my phone number change if I was an Alltel customer?

Your phone number did not change when Alltel transferred to Verizon in 2013. You kept the same number. If you want to switch to a different carrier now, you can port your number to the new carrier and keep it again.

What should I do if I want to switch away from Verizon?

Contact the carrier you want to join and ask to port your number from Verizon. They will handle the transfer, which usually takes a few hours to a day. Before you switch, confirm that your phone works on the new carrier's network.

Are Alltel prepaid plans a good option?

Alltel prepaid plans may offer competitive pricing, but they run on T-Mobile or Verizon networks, not on an independent Alltel network. Compare them to other prepaid options and to major carrier plans based on price, coverage in your area, and customer service before deciding.