It was only a matter of time before Alltel’s popular “My Circle” unlimited calling offering was opened up to allow for unlimited messaging. The CTIA has estimated that something like 363 billion SMS text messages had been sent out in 2007, and Alltel is looking to cash in on the texting craze.
With Alltel’s new “My Circle” offering has now been extended to include unlimited messaging options. For an extra $7.99 per month, Alltel subscribers can now apply unlimited messaging to their “Circle” of friends and family. Or, if unlimited text messaging, regardless of whether the recipient is in-circle or not, is more your thing, Alltel is offering their “All Axcess Pass” for $19.99.
Of course, Alltel’s “My Circle” plans still allow for unlimited calling to anyone in-circle.
With EVDO Rev. A on the way and a newly expanded WiFi HotSpot service, Alltel’s network is looking more and more attractive.
Full press release after the jump.
June 30, 2008
Alltel Wireless introduces texting to “My Circle”
Addition of text messaging makes it easier than ever for “My Circle” customers to stay connected with those that matter most
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As text messaging is becoming a popular communication method for millions of Americans, Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, today announced the addition of “texting” to its exclusive “My Circle” offer. Starting today, “My Circle” customers can send and receive unlimited text/video/picture messages to anyone in their “Circle,” as well as other Alltel Wireless customers, with its new “My Circle” message packs starting at $7.99 per month.
Customers with the new “My Circle” message packs receive unlimited messaging to their “Circle of Friends” as well as other Alltel Wireless customers. Customers can choose from several message packs including plans for $7.99 or $12.99 which provides users 400 or 1,000 additional text/video/picture messages, respectively, to communicate with consumers outside of their “Circle” or that are not Alltel customers. For customers seeking unlimited messaging, Alltel Wireless still offers the $19.99 All Access Pass that includes unlimited messaging and mobile web. “My Circle” message packs can be added to any “My Circle” five, 10 or 20 calling plan.
“Alltel’s ‘My Circle’ provides customers the ultimate in choice and value by giving them the ability to call or text any five, 10 or 20 numbers,” said Frank O’Mara, chief marketing officer of Alltel Wireless. “Whether talking or texting, our new “My Circle” message packs provide customers the most cost-effective plans for staying in touch with friends, families and business associates.”
In addition to the “My Circle” message packs, Alltel is also introducing new “My Circle” Family Choice Plus plans. For $84.99 per month, customers will receive two lines with 1,000 shared minutes and the ability to call any 10 numbers on any network. Also, customers can receive two lines with 2,000 shared minutes and unlimited calling within their “Circle” of 20 numbers for $114.99. In addition to the unlimited calling within their “Circle,” Family Choice plan customers will receive unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls and unlimited nights and weekends. Customers will also have the ability to choose either free evening calls starting at 7PM or 1,000 text/picture/video messages the plans include unlimited texting to their “Circle of Friends” and other Alltel customers.
“My Circle” customers receive unlimited free calls to and from any combination of home phone, office or wireless numbers located anywhere in the U.S., regardless of local phone company or wireless carrier. Alltel Wireless makes it easy for customers to change their numbers anytime for free, by simply visiting www.alltel.com/myaccount. Free calls to “My Circle” numbers are in addition to anytime minutes, unlimited night / weekend minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes included in customers’ calling plans.
Alltel Wireless was the first carrier to offer Anytime Plan Changes, giving customers the flexibility to change their calling plans at any time, without extending their current contract. Additionally, Alltel recently received “Highest Call Quality Performance Among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the West and Southeast Regions, and in the Southwest Region in a Tie” according to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Wireless Call Quality Performance StudySM – Vol. 1.
Alltel is owner and operator of the nation’s largest wireless network and has more than 13 million customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit www.alltel.com.
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Alltel Wireless received the highest numerical score among wireless cell phone providers in the West and Southeast regions, and in a tie in the Southwest region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Wireless Call Quality Performance StudySM-Vol. 1. Study based on 23,472 wireless users measuring 6 providers in the West, and 5 in the Southeast and Southwest and measures opinions of consumers with the call quality of their wireless service. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in October 2007 and January 2008. Your experiences may vary.