U.S. Cellular and Alltel are teaming-up over “U Prepaid,” a no contract wireless service that will be offered in select Walmart Stores across 18 states beginning in May. The alliance, which is said to be the first of its kind in the industry, offers customers flexible payment options without signing a contract.
Customers on their end get an easy-to-understand plan choices, with U Prepaid running on either U.S. Cellular’s or Alltel’s network depending on where they live. Moreover, there will be multiple data options and plans that include unlimited talk and texting, while all of them [plans] are nationwide with no roaming charges.
The two carriers also prepared some neat devices for the new prepaid offering, including Android-powered Samsung Repp, QWERTY keyboard-equipped LG Attune/LG Exchange and LG Saber, and a simple clamshell with big keys – Samsung Chrono.
Both carriers seem pleased with the deal with U.S. Cellular’s Carter S. Elenz saying that this partnership gives them another opportunity to be where customers want to shop. Meanwhile, Alltel’s Lesa Handly said that together with U.S. Cellular they can leverage the position as the “local” wireless carrier offering a hometown alternative in the communities they serve. We’ll see how that goes…