Answers to FAQs

Back to previous page

Alltel Integration Information

General Information

1. Verizon Wireless recently completed its purchase of Alltel, what happens next?
2. Are Verizon Wireless and Alltel one company now?
3. How can I find out if a current Alltel customer is in a market that will be integrated with Verizon Wireless or in a market that will be sold?
4. Can I, as a Verizon Wireless customer, receive service now at an Alltel store?
5. Are Alltel customers now part of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile to Mobile (formerly IN calling) service?
6. Is Alltel’s My Circle feature available now to Verizon Wireless customers?
7. Are you planning to close Verizon Wireless stores?
8. I am an Alltel customer and need information about how this merger affects my service. Where can I find it?

Former Alltel Customers

1. What happened to My Circle®?
2. Will I still receive the benefits of Alltel’s My Circle Advantage program?
3. Will I still receive a My Circle Bonus number every two years that I’m on a qualified plan?
4. How do I change my calling plan?
5. How do I upgrade to a Verizon Wireless device?
6. Can I still use Alltel/Axcess Shop to download ringtones, games and other applications on my phone?
7. Where can I find support information for my Alltel device?
8. I have an Alltel gift card. Can I still use it?

Alltel Backup/MightyBackup

1. How do I get Alltel Backup?
2. How much does Alltel Backup cost?
3. What is the Migrate option?
4. Can I share my "MightyBackup for Alltel" phone book between two different numbers?
5. Why are some of my numbers not restoring to a new device with the "MightyBackup for Alltel" application?
6. How can I use MightyBackup for Alltel to backup from a damaged phone, or phone with damaged screen?
7. How do I reset my "MightyBackup for Alltel" pin?
8. How do I upgrade MightyBackup or MightyBackup for Alltel to Alltel Backup?
9. I already have MightyBackup or MightyBackup for Alltel. How do I move my address book and subscriptions to my new phone?
10. I lost my phone. How do I erase the numbers from it?

General Information

1. Verizon Wireless recently completed its purchase of Alltel, what happens next?
   Work is underway to merge the operations of the two companies. During the next several months, we will upgrade the Alltel network and integrate it into Verizon Wireless’ nationwide voice and advanced broadband network to bring Alltel customers the best wireless experience available and to offer them the full suite of Verizon Wireless services.
   Back to top
2. Are Verizon Wireless and Alltel one company now?
   Although the legal transaction has been finalized and Verizon Wireless has legally become the owner of Alltel, it will be several months before the two companies are integrated and operate as one company. Also, as part of the regulatory approval process required for this purchase, Verizon Wireless agreed to sell certain properties where both Alltel and Verizon Wireless overlap to preserve competition in those markets. As a result, Alltel customers in those areas will not be part of the merger with Verizon Wireless.
   Back to top
3. How can I find out if a current Alltel customer is in a market that will be integrated with Verizon Wireless or in a market that will be sold?
   Alltel customers who are in markets that will be integrated will receive a letter informing them that they will become part of Verizon Wireless. Alltel customers who have questions about whether they will be integrated with Verizon Wireless should contact their Alltel sales or customer service rep or check online at www.verizonwireless.com/alltel.
   Back to top
4. Can I, as a Verizon Wireless customer, receive service now at an Alltel store?
   No, not at this time. During the next several months, Verizon Wireless will work to integrate networks, convert billing systems and change store signage, in phases, to merge the two companies. When that work is complete, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to shop and receive service at former Alltel stores.  For the complete and most up to date list of stores, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/storelocator.
   Back to top
5. Are Alltel customers now part of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile to Mobile (formerly IN calling) service?

   Yes, Verizon Wireless customers and Alltel customers can use their Mobile to Mobile calling allowance to call each other without using their Anytime minutes.  Verizon Wireless now has the largest mobile to mobile calling community in the country – more than 80 million strong.

   Back to top
6. Is Alltel’s My Circle feature available now to Verizon Wireless customers?

   Verizon Wireless offers Friends & Family®, a similar feature, which lets customers enjoy unlimited calling to either five or 10 customer-defined numbers, depending on the Verizon Wireless calling plan the customer has chosen. Find out more at Verizon Wireless.  If you are a former Alltel customer with a My Circle calling plan, find out more here.

   Back to top
7. Are you planning to close Verizon Wireless stores?
   We have no immediate plans to close Verizon Wireless stores as a result of the Alltel acquisition. As part of our ongoing effort to offer the best service as efficiently as possible, however, Verizon Wireless continually reviews store locations to ensure they achieve our distribution objectives.
   Back to top
8. I am an Alltel customer and need information about how this merger affects my service. Where can I find it?

   As the transition approaches in your area, you will receive more information regarding the merger.  For now, visit Alltel’s website for answers to more frequently asked questions.

   Back to top

Former Alltel Customers

1. What happened to My Circle®?
   After your service transitions to Verizon Wireless, My Circle will be known as Friends & Family®. Nothing is changing about this feature you love, only the name. You still have the same number of Friends & Family numbers and can choose wireless or landline numbers on any network to call anytime, as often as you like. Manage your Friends & Family numbers on My Verizon.
   Back to top
2. Will I still receive the benefits of Alltel’s My Circle Advantage program?
   Yes, Alltel My Circle Advantage program members receiving the monthly $1.99 Alltel Backup credit will continue to receive it after their service fully transitions to Verizon Wireless.  Additionally, any customer who registers for My Verizon and downloads Alltel Backup will receive the $1.99 credit.
   Back to top
3. Will I still receive a My Circle Bonus number every two years that I’m on a qualified plan?
   Customers who have already earned a bonus number before their service transitions to Verizon Wireless will continue to have access to it. Additionally, all customers on a My Circle 10 or 20 plan will be awarded a final bonus number by the end of the year.
   Back to top
4. How do I change my calling plan?
   You can change your plan anytime at My Verizon or by calling Customer Service by dialing *611 from your wireless phone or (800) 922-0204 from any phone. All Verizon Wireless plans require a Verizon Wireless device.
   Back to top
5. How do I upgrade to a Verizon Wireless device?
   To upgrade to a Verizon Wireless device, simply visit www.verizonwireless.com/upgrade or visit any Verizon Wireless Communications store. 
   Back to top
6. Can I still use Alltel/Axcess Shop to download ringtones, games and other applications on my phone?
   Yes, you can continue accessing Alltel/Axcess Shop through your Alltel phone. Once you upgrade to a Verizon Wireless phone, you will use Media Center to download most applications. Visit My Verizon for more information.
   Back to top
7. Where can I find support information for my Alltel device?
   Visit our Former Alltel Customer Information page.
   Back to top
8. I have an Alltel gift card. Can I still use it?
   Yes, you can. Please visit our Store Locator to find a store near you.
   Back to top

Alltel Backup/MightyBackup

1. How do I get Alltel Backup?

   To get Alltel Backup:

   1. On the phone, go to the Alltel/Axcess Shop.
   2. Select Shopping Cart.
   3. Select Catalog.
   4. Select Email & Tools.
   Back to top
2. How much does Alltel Backup cost?
   Alltel Backup is only $1.99 per month, per line. If you register for My Verizon as the Account Owner, we’ll waive the monthly charge for Alltel Backup. (That’s a $1.99 per month credit for each line on your account!) Visit My Verizon for details.
   Back to top
3. What is the Migrate option?

   This option in the Alltel Backup main menu allows you easily remove your personal content from your current phone and move it to a new or replacement phone. This feature is available on the paid version of Alltel Backup and should only be used if you're changing phones.

   You must first use the Migrate option before you activate your new replacement phone.

   1. On the current phone, launch Alltel Backup.
   2. From the main menu use the Options key and select the Migrate option.
   3. Follow the directions to complete the backup and removal of personal content on the phone.
   4. Once completed, delete Alltel Backup to cancel the subscription. To remove an application from your phone, open the Alltel/Axcess Shop and select delete or unsubscribe.
   5. Transfer your Alltel service to your new phone.
   6. Download and launch Alltel Backup on your new phone. Make sure you choose the paid subscription since the free trial version does not allow you to pull information from your digital vault into the phone.
   7. Enter your PIN when prompted. If you have forgotten your PIN, learn how to reset your PIN.
   8. Alltel Backup will automatically detect content in your digital vault and will restore the address book and supported applications to your new phone.
   9. Once applications have been transferred, they will appear in the My Choices directory on the new phone.
   Back to top
4. Can I share my "MightyBackup for Alltel" phone book between two different numbers?
   You may only use one phone number with your MightyBackup at a time. For users to backup/restore their address book, they need to subscribe to MightyBackup for Alltel separately per each mobile number. Adding another mobile number to an existing account is not currently supported.
   Back to top
5. Why are some of my numbers not restoring to a new device with the "MightyBackup for Alltel" application?

   If it appears that some of your numbers have not been restored by MightyBackup for Alltel, please check to see whether those numbers were saved as standard numbers.  Each contact has several fields for its numbers - Work number, Cell number, Home number, etc.  Every number must be assigned to one of these types.  If the number is saved without any type assigned to it, it is being stored as a standard Phone number.

   To resolve this problem please follow the steps below.

   1. Use your mobile phone number and PIN to login to the web account and verify the contacts located at www.mightybackup.com/alltel.
   2. From online account, please make sure that every number in the address book has a specific "Type" assigned to it (Home number, Cell number, etc), rather than being listed under a general type like 'phone' or 'Main'. For the general "Type," please refer to the contacts with a "Handset," or a phone receiver icon next to the number.
   3. Once you have made all the changes, "Log out" from your online account to have changes effective in your phone.
   4. If the contacts are not syncing to the phone, try the backup process again from the phone.
   5. Confirm if you are able to see your restored contacts from your new phone.
   Back to top
6. How can I use MightyBackup for Alltel to backup from a damaged phone, or phone with damaged screen?
   It is not possible to use MightyBackup for Alltel on a non-functioning phone, or a damaged phone on which you are unable to access your mobile shop.
   Back to top
7. How do I reset my "MightyBackup for Alltel" pin?

   To retrieve the PIN From the handset:

   1. Select "Mighty Backup" from mobile shop.
   2. Pass the number verification process.
      • Make sure you accept your MDN - Mobile Directory Number (Cell Phone Number).
   3. When you get the screen that requests your PIN:
      • It will ask you "Don't know your PIN? Press #". Underneath the PIN input box - Press "#".
      • Then press "Ok" at "Forgot PIN" screen.
   4. Your PIN will be displayed on the screen.
   Back to top
8. How do I upgrade MightyBackup or MightyBackup for Alltel to Alltel Backup?

   Current MightyBackup or MightyBackup for Alltel subscribers can receive the new enhancements from Alltel Backup by downloading it to their phone. To upgrade, first check whether an Alltel Backup application is available by searching Alltel/Axcess Shop on your phone. If Alltel Backup is available for your phone, delete MightyBackup from the phone and then install Alltel Backup.

   To remove an application from your phone, open the Alltel/Axcess Shop and select delete or unsubscribe.

   To get Alltel Backup:

   1. On the phone, go to the Alltel/Axcess Shop.
   2. Select Shopping Cart.
   3. Select Catalog.
   4. Select Email & Tools.

   Follow the instruction on your phone to complete the Alltel Backup installation.

   Back to top
9. I already have MightyBackup or MightyBackup for Alltel. How do I move my address book and subscriptions to my new phone?

   First check if Alltel Backup is available as a MightyBackup upgrade for your current phone by visiting the www.alltel.com/backup Web site and view the list of capable phones. If Alltel Backup is available for your phone, perform this upgrade first by deleting MightyBackup from the phone and then install Alltel Backup.

   To remove an application from your phone, open the Alltel/Axcess Shop and select delete or unsubscribe.

   To install Alltel Backup:

   1. On the phone, go to the Alltel/Axcess Shop.
   2. Select Shopping Cart.
   3. Select Catalog.
   4. Select Email & Tools.

   After Alltel Backup has been successfully installed, launch Alltel Backup and follow the migrate steps in this FAQ.

   To download Alltel Backup, normal data charges will apply.

   If Alltel Backup is not available for your current phone, activate the new phone and restore your address book by downloading Alltel Backup to your new phone. The first time you run Alltel Backup on your new phone, it will detect whether there is content backed up in your digital vault and prompt you to enter your PIN to restore your mobile phone content. Because Alltel Backup was not on your old phone, only your address book will transfer to your new phone. To resubscribe to your other applications, browse the Alltel/Axcess Shop to redownload them.

   Back to top
10. I lost my phone. How do I erase the numbers from it?

    If you have lost your phone, you can remotely delete your subscriptions and contact info by clicking the Lost Phone tab in your Alltel Backup Web account, and then clicking the Lost Phone button.

    You must first use the Lost Phone button to erase your lost phone content before you call Alltel to deactivate your lost phone and before you activate your new replacement phone. Once your new phone is activated, any Lost Phone command will erase the new phone instead of the old phone. Once you have deactivated your lost phone, you will no longer be able to erase information from it.

    Back to top