Honestly, this is one of the many reasons I’m on a GSM network in the United States. A big limitation of the U.S. CDMA carriers is the roaming issue. In many instances, while you may not be charged extra for roaming all the time, data services aren’t usually available when roaming. This is completely inconvenient, and it looks like Alltel is stepping up to the plate, today announcing a new roaming feature that will allow subscribers to use location-based services as part of new ‘network enhancements’. The announcement focuses on location-based services such as the Alltel Navigation and Axcess Family Finder applications. Although standard roaming rates still apply, it’s nice to know you’ll have access to the more advanced features, as well as just plain voice.
Kristi Crum, Alltel’s Director of Multimedia Content, says it best, “Through LBS Nationwide Roaming, our customers are able to use a GPS application when it matters most, especially when they are in unfamiliar territory.”
Love it. Alltel might be rather small fish, bringing up the back as the 5th largest carrier in the United States, but they’re sure making waves with their seemingly consumer-focused policies and offers. Keep it up, guys.
