FAQs « Midwest Wireless

FAQs

SpeakEZ Prepaid Plans
Preset Prepaid Plans
Transitioning to Alltel
Contracts
Phone Display Changes
Products and Services
My Circle
Insurance
Midwest Wireless Phone Rebates

SpeakEZ Prepaid Plans

Question:
How much will text messaging cost?: Answer:
As of July 30, text messaging will be charged at 10¢/message (incoming and outgoing)
Question:
Is unlimited text messaging available?: Answer:
Unlimited text messaging will no longer be available on SpeakEZ Deluxe plans; however, if you currently have unlimited text messaging, you will receive FREE text messaging during your first month with Alltel.
Question:
What choices do I have for text messaging?: Answer:
Text messaging will be available on a pay-per-use basis with your new Alltel plan, or you may chose an Alltel plan that includes unlimited text messaging.
Question:
How will my auto draft change?: Answer:
If you have signed up for credit card auto draft, the amount you have set up will remain the same.
Question:
When can I change my auto draft amount?: Answer:
If you are already set up with auto draft and want to change your auto draft amount, call customer care after July 30.
Question:
Will I lose any leftover minutes from my SpeakEZ account?: Answer:
Any balance remaining on your SpeakEZ account will be transferred to your Alltel account.
Question:
How do I check my account balance?: Answer:
To check your account balance beginning July 30, you may continue to dial *369 (a free call) from your wireless phone.
Question:
When are taxes applied to my account?: Answer:
Taxes are charged on replenishments at the point of sale. For instance, if a replenishment is made for $20, the total of the replenishment will be $20 plus tax.
Question:
What’s wrong with my 1-500 number?: Answer:
You may experience some service interruptions with your 1-500 number beginning July 28. If you experience interruptions, please call 1-800-ALLTEL1.
Question:
When will the 1-500 number be phased out?: Answer:
1-500 numbers will no longer work as of November 1.
Question:
Will I lose my number even if I don’t have a 1-500 number?: Answer:
If you do not use a 1-500 number, you can keep your current number and no action is required on your part.
Question:
When can I get a local number with my service?: Answer:
Local numbers will be available beginning August 1 in most areas. If you experience interruptions, please call 1-800-ALLTEL1.
Question:
What are my voice mail options?: Answer:
Your new plan includes the option to set up a personalized greeting and the capacity to store up to 15 messages.
Question:
What’s going on with these whisper tones?: Answer:
While your account is transitioned, you may experience whisper tone interruptions.
Question:
What does the whisper tone mean?: Answer:
You will receive a whisper tone when your balance reaches $15 and during every call after reaching $5.

Preset Prepaid Plans

Question:
How will my Preset text messaging package change?

Answer:
If you currently have a text messaging package, it will be transitioned to your new Alltel plan with the following rates:

Current Midwest Text Messages	New Alltel U Text Messaging Pack Rate
200	300 messages for $5.99/month
500	750 messages for $9.99/month
1000	750 messages for $9.99/month
2000	750 messages for $9.99/month
Unlimited	750 messages for $9.99/month

Question:
What if I didn’t have a text messaging plan?

Answer:
If you do not have a text messaging pack, text messaging will be available on a pay-per-use basis with your new Alltel plan. As of July 30, text messaging will be charged at 10¢/message (incoming and outgoing).

Question:
What if I don’t want to pay for each message individually?

Answer:
You do have the option to choose an Alltel plan that includes unlimited text messaging or a text messaging pack. The text messaging packs available include:

300 messages for $5.99/month
750 messages for $9.99/month

There is a 10¢ charge for each incoming/outgoing message in excess of the allowed number in a package plan.

Question:
How will my auto draft change?

Answer:
If you have signed up for credit card auto draft, the amount you have set up is subject to change based on the rate of your new Alltel rate plan.

Question:
When can I change my auto draft?

Answer:
If you are already set up with auto draft and want to change your auto draft amount, call Customer Care after July 30.

Question:
Will I lose any leftover minutes from my Preset account?

Answer:
Any balance remaining on your Midwest Wireless account will be transferred to your Alltel account.

Question:
How can I check my balance?

Answer:
To check your account balance beginning July 30, you may continue to dial *369 (a free call) from your wireless phone.

Question:
When are taxes applied to my account?

Answer:
Taxes are charged on replenishments at the point of sale. For instance, if a replenishment is made for $20, the total of the replenishment will be $20 plus tax.

Question:
What’s wrong with my 1-500 number?

Answer:
You may experience some service interruptions with your 1-500 number beginning July 28. If you experience interruptions, please call 1-800-ALLTEL1.

Question:
When will my 1-500 number be phased out?

Answer:
1-500 numbers will no longer work as of November 1.

Question:
Will I lose my number even if I don’t have a 1-500 number?

Answer:
If you do not use a 1-500 number, you can keep your current number, and no action is required on your part.

Question:
When can I get a local number with my service?

Answer:
Local numbers will be available beginning August 1, in most areas. If you experience interruptions, please call 1-800-ALLTEL1.

Question:
What are my voice mail options?

Answer:
Your new plan includes the option to set up a personalized greeting and the capacity to store up to 15 messages.

Question:
What’s going on with these whisper tones?

Answer:
While your account is transitioned, you may experience whisper tone interruptions.

Question:
What does the whisper tone mean?

Answer:
You will receive a whisper tone when your balance reaches $15 and during every call after reaching $5.

Question:
On my Midwest SpeakEZ plan, my Night and Weekend minutes started at 7 p.m. With my Alltel U Prepaid plan they start at 9 p.m. Why?

Answer:
On July 29, your prepaid plan will transition to an Alltel U prepaid plan. With the Alltel U plan, you have an expanded coverage area and the ability to enjoy mobile-to-mobile calling to all Alltel customers.

Alltel offers numerous prepaid plans that include unlimited night and weekends. And you have the option to add the unlimited favorite number calling feature to your plan. Give us a call after July 29 at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to review your plan with you and make sure you have the plan that best suits you.

Question:
Why does my new Alltel prepaid plan cost more than it did when I was with Midwest?

Answer:
On July 29, your prepaid plan will transition to an Alltel U prepaid plan. We made every effort to transition you to a plan that was comparable in cost and service to what you had with Midwest.

You will have an expanded coverage area. You will also enjoy Mobile-to-Mobile calling to all Alltel customers. Your new plan also offers a variety of included and optional features not available to you from Midwest such as unlimited favorite number calling for $5 per month and depending on your phone model access to picture and video messaging, games, ringtones and more.

Alltel offers several prepaid plans that include unlimited night and weekends. And you have the option to add the unlimited favorite number calling feature to your plan.

Give us a call after July 29 at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to review your plan with you and make sure you have the plan that best suits you.

Question:
Why am I being charged taxes on replenishments now?

Answer:
Midwest charged taxes on usage rates. Alltel charges taxes up front on the replenishment.

In the past, as a Midwest customer, you paid taxes on usage instead of on the actual replenishment payment. Alltel only charges you when the taxes are applied.

For example when Midwest charged you $0.25 cents a minute, the tax amount was included in that $0.25 cent rate. With Alltel, the $0.15 cents per minute rate does not include taxes because you paid the taxes when you replenished your minutes.

Question:
Why can't I keep my prepaid 500 number?

Answer:
In the past, prepaid 500 numbers were offered because there were no local numbers offered in your area. Beginning July 29th, local numbers will be available in most areas and you can have your number changed to a local number for free by visiting a local retail store. Remember all 500 numbers will be disconnected on November 1, 2007.

Having a local number makes it easier for your friends and family to contact you.

Question:
Why am I now being charged airtime to retrieve my voicemail?

Answer:
This is a standard fee that Alltel charges all Customers. Note there is no charge to check your voicemail from a landline phone. If you are concerned this change may cause you to exceed your package minutes, we offer many competitive rate plans that better suit your needs.

Question:
Why can't I hear Whisper Tones with my balance before every call like I used to?

Answer:
Alltel wants you to have the best wireless experience possible. We don't want to take up your time, so we only play Whisper Tones before your call when your balance hits $15 and every call at $5 and less.

To check and maintain your prepaid balance you can dial *369 from your phone to hear your balance anytime or visit our Prepaid website to manage your account online.

Question:
Why did my text message pack change?

Answer:
As a result of the transition from Midwest to Alltel, on July 29, your messaging pack changed. We did our best to match you with the most comparable text messaging pack we offer. We are proud of our affordable text message packs designed to meet your needs.

Alltel offers several rate plans that include unlimited text messaging. If you need a larger text package or want to see what else is available, give us a call at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to review your text messaging pack with you and make sure you have the pack that best suits you.

Question:
Why did my monthly auto draft amount change?

Answer:
As part of the transition from Midwest to Alltel, you were moved to the most comparable Alltel prepaid rate plan. In some cases this resulted in a small difference in the price of the plan.

If you are unhappy with the plan, give us a call at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to review your current plan with you and make sure you have the plan that best suits you.

Question:
Why can't I make payments with my credit card through *369?

Answer:
You can, we just need to set up your credit card information in our systems. Give us a call at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to assist you.

You also have the option to make payments at any time without having to store your credit card information by dialing #PAY (#729) from your wireless phone.

Question:
How do I know what rate plan I was moved to?

Answer:
You should have received a letter in the mail or a text message directing you to a website - www.mwprepaid.com. This site provides details regarding which Midwest prepaid plans were transitioned to which Alltel prepaid plans.

Give us a call at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to assist you by looking up the details of your new Alltel account.

Question:
How do I change the amount of my auto draft?

Answer:
Give us a call at 1-800-ALLTEL1 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Transitioning to Alltel

Question:
I got a booklet in the mail that talks about changes to my service. What is this?: Answer:
You should have received a Service Transition Guide letting you know that beginning July 29, 2007, your wireless service will be transitioned from Midwest Wireless to the Alltel Wireless network and billing systems. While the guide explains that you will experience some changes to your service, our goal is to make the transition as smooth and easy as possible.; Friendly Reminder boxes were included in the guide to show where you need to take action, but please thoroughly review all of the information as your wireless service may be affected. Unless otherwise stated, the included information is effective beginning with your first Alltel bill after July 29.
Question:
The transition guide says that the mobile-to-mobile coverage area will increase from the Midwest network calling area to the rate plan coverage area after conversion. Will the mobile-to-mobile coverage also apply to other rate plan families like National Traveler including plans with the Add America feature?: Answer:
Yes, customers will get the benefit of mobile-to-mobile within their rate plan coverage area, including National and Add America plans.

Contracts

Question:
Will I have to sign a contract to change to an Alltel plan?: Answer:
No, Alltel allows you to change your plan anytime without extending your contract.
Question:
Am I required to fulfill my current contract?: Answer:
Yes, Alltel acquired Midwest Wireless and continues to fulfill your service under that agreement. No material changes have been made to your service. Therefore, you are required to fulfill your current contract.
Question:
I don't want Alltel service. Can I get out of my contract without being accessed an early termination fee?: Answer:
You are still required to fulfill the terms of your service agreement which requires the payment of an early termination fee for disconnecting before you have fulfilled your contract. By staying with Alltel you can take advantage of exclusive products available only on America's largest wireless network. Alltel is the only major carrier that offers My Circle where you can choose up to 10 numbers wireless or landline to call for free.

Phone Display Changes

Question:
Why do I see these flashing characters on my phone instead of my usual roaming information?: Answer:
Although your service is being transitioned to the Alltel billing and network systems on July 29, you may notice a change to the roaming indicator on your wireless phone prior to that date.; You should have received a Phone Display Changes card in the mail along with your Transition Services Guide. That card explains that currently your phone may display a roaming indicator, such as "Preferred Midwest" or "Roaming" when traveling outside your home area. These roam indicators will change--they will be shown as either flashing or solid icons, such as a "triangle" or an "R."; Please be assured your rate plan coverage area and billing will NOT change--the roaming indicators displayed on your phone will only look different.; Charges for calls will continue to be based on your rate plan coverage area.
Question:
Why does my phone display something different?: Answer:
We made updates to your phone to ensure that you receive the best coverage possible. This may change what you see displayed on your phone, but please be assured your rate plan coverage area and billing has not changed - only the look of the roaming indicator displayed on your phone will look different. Charges for calls are based on your rate plan coverage area.
Question:
My phone no longer displays Midwest Wireless within my home area. Does that mean I'm roaming?: Answer:
No. Your home area has not changed. Please be assured your rate plan coverage area and billing will not change - only the look of the roaming indicator displayed on your phone will look different. Charges for calls are based on your rate plan coverage area.
Question:
What will my phone display when I'm roaming?: Answer:
Your phone may now display a "triangle" or an "R" roaming indicator depending on your phone model. Outside of your home coverage area this indicator may flash or appear solid depending on the tower you are using. Charges for calls are still based on you rate plan coverage area.
Question:
Will this new phone display affect my service?: Answer:
No, this change was made to ensure you continue to receive the best possible coverage on America's largest wireless network.
Question:
Is this new phone display because of the Alltel transition?: Answer:
Yes. Alltel has America's largest network, and in order to bring you the best coverage possible in the largest service area, upgrades are being made.
Question:
Will I receive roaming charges on my bill?: Answer:
Roaming charges will continue to be billed based on your rate plan coverage area.

Products and Services

Question:
When can I purchase Alltel products and services?: Answer:
Beginning, July 29th, you'll be able to purchase Alltel products and services. In the coming weeks, you will receive an overview of our products and services, all designed with you in mind. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call 1-800-ALLTEL1; or to find a location near you, visit our store locator at alltel.com.
Question:
I want to purchase an Alltel phone and I am still under contract. What are my options?: Answer:
Please visit your nearest retail store or call us at 1-800-ALLTEL1 for more information on upgrading your phone, beginning July 29th.
Question:
I am not currently under contract but want to upgrade my phone. Do I have to get an Alltel rate plan or can I keep my Midwest plan?: Answer:
You are not required to get an Alltel rate plan in order to upgrade your phone. However, our rate plan offerings are highly competitive and with Alltel you can change your rate plan at anytime without extending your contract.
Question:
I am a former Midwest customer on the Tri-State plan with an Add America feature. Can I keep this feature after conversion?: Answer:
Yes. However, please note this feature will be part of your rate plan with Alltel. The price of the service will not change, but instead of listing the Add America charge separate from your rate plan charge as it is currently on your Midwest bill, the charges will be incorporated to your new rate plan charge on your Alltel bill.
Question:
Will the Add America feature be available with Alltel?: Answer:
Alltel offers National plans as well as a Free to Roam feature on some rate plans that works like the Add America feature. Please visit your nearest retail store or contact Customer Service at 1-800-ALLTEL1 for information on the rate plan and features that will work best for you.
Question:
I have the Add America feature on my Tri-State plan, but don’t need it anymore. Can I drop the feature and still keep my Tri-State plan?: Answer:
Yes, you can drop the Add America feature and keep your Tri-State plan, but you will not be able to add the Add America back to your plan in the future. If you plan to travel outside of your coverage area in the future, you can add Alltel’s Free to Roam feature to your Tri-State plan. Or you can switch to Alltel’s National Freedom plan. With this flexible plan, you’re free to make calls to major U.S. cities and surrounding metropolitan areas in the Alltel national network — all without additional roaming or long-distance fees. And with Alltel, you can change your rate plan whenever you want without extending your contract. Learn more about Alltel rate plans.
Question:
Can I change my rate plan to another Midwest Wireless rate plan?: Answer:
No. If you want to change rate plans, you will need to select an Alltel rate plan. We offer a variety of plans with unlimited long distance, unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes and free nights and weekends all with wide coverage areas so you get the coverage you need at the right price. Learn more about Alltel rate plans.
Question:
Can I still add lines to my Midwest Wireless rate plan?: Answer:
Yes, you can still add lines to your existing Midwest Wireless rate plan OR you can switch to an Alltel family plan with unlimited long distance, unlimited mobile-to-mobile minutes and free nights and weekends. Sign up for the My Circle Family Choice Plan and get your second line of service FREE. Plus you can choose either free text messaging or Nights and Weekend minutes starting at 7 p.m. And you get unlimited calling with My Circle. Learn more about the My Family Choice plan or other Alltel rate plans.
Question:
I have the Account Calling feature on my rate plan. Can I still add lines to my Midwest Wireless rate plan?: Answer:
Yes, you can still add lines to your existing Midwest Wireless rate plan even if you have the Account Calling feature on your plan.

My Circle

Question:
Can I get My Circle without switching to an Alltel plan?: Answer:
Beginning July 29th, select Midwest Tri-State and Midwest Traveler plans of $59.99 or higher will automatically be eligible for My Circle.; Eligible customers will receive a mailing in early September, which explains My Circle and lets them know how to sign up and manage My Circle numbers.; To find out if your Midwest Tri-State or Midwest Traveler plan qualifies for My Circle or if you are on some other Midwest Wireless rate plan and want My Circle, please visit your nearest retail store or contact Customer Service at 1-800-Alltel-1.; We can help you change your rate plan to a My Circle eligible plan. Alltel allows you to change your rate plan at anytime without extending your contract.

Insurance

Question:
The contact phone number I received for handset insurance is wrong. What's the correct number?: Answer:
We apologize for any confusion. The Asurion Insurance customer service number was incorrect in the transition services guide you recently received. The Asurion number is 1-888-723-3360 NOT 1-800-723-3360. The misprint was located on page 9, under the Insurance section.
Question:
Who do I contact to file a handset insurance claim?: Answer:
For questions regarding the Handset Insurance and Warranty program, please contact Asurion at 1-888-723-3360.
Question:
Who do I contact with questions regarding handset insurance?: Answer:
For questions regarding the Handset Insurance and Warranty program, please contact Asurion at 1-800-430-7565.

Midwest Wireless Phone Rebates

Question:
I bought a phone with a rebate from Midwest Wireless. Is my rebate still good?

Answer:
Your Midwest Wireless rebate is still good so long as you have met the rebate requirements. To check the status of your rebate, log onto www.rebatestatus.com or call the Midwest Wireless Rebate center at 1.888.788.4904.

Question:
How can I find out the status of my Midwest Wireless rebate?

Answer:
ou have two ways to check the status of your rebate for phones purchased prior to July 28, 2007:

Log onto www.rebatestatus.com or
Call the Midwest Wireless Rebate Center at 1.888.788.4904

Question:
I bought a phone from Alltel. Where do I check my rebate status for it?

Answer:
For phones purchased at an Alltel store, starting July 28, 2007, you may check your status at www.alltelrebatecenter.com.

oneWave and clearWave

Question:
I am a oneWave or clearWave customer. Do I need to do anything?: Answer:
No, you do not have to do anything. You will continue to receive the same service and support as before. Your Customer Service number will remain the same as well - 1-800-630-1234.

Contacting Alltel

Call.

Customer Service

Our customer service representatives are available by calling 1-800-ALLTEL1 or *611 from your wireless phone.

Check your Minutes of Use

Dial #MOU (#668) from your wireless phone.

Text the word 'minute' to MYMINS (696467)

Check you balance and/or Make a Payment

Dial #PAY (#729) from your wireless phone

Request a copy of your last bill

Dial *611 from your wireless phone. Press option 1, then option 4

Reset your voicemail password 24/7

Dial *611 from your wireless phone. Press option 3, option 2, then option 2Click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQs on alltel.com for answers to most questions.

Questions can also be submitted 24/7 at alltel.com

Manage your account online with My Account:

Add a phone and plan to your existing account
Add and change features
Check the balance on your bill
View historical and current bills
Update your Circle numbers
Make a payment
Update your billing address
Check minutes of use
Reset your wireless voicemail password
View your rate plan
Get detailed information about your phone

Write.

You may contact us in writing at the address listed below.

Alltel General Correspondence
Building 4, Fifth Floor
One Allied DriveLittle Rock, AR 72202-2099

It's time to get what you want from your wireless company

FAQs

SpeakEZ Prepaid Plans

Preset Prepaid Plans

Transitioning to Alltel

Contracts

Phone Display Changes

Products and Services

My Circle

Insurance

Midwest Wireless Phone Rebates

SpeakEZ Prepaid Plans

Preset Prepaid Plans

Transitioning to Alltel

Contracts

Phone Display Changes

Products and Services

My Circle

Insurance

Midwest Wireless Phone Rebates

oneWave and clearWave

Contacting Alltel

Call.

Manage your account online with My Account:

Write.