No phone or text msg service.

[obamaberry]

As of Monday July 13th I've had limited or no phone service, but my data service is fine, no interuptions. Did a battery pull and all the other stuff but the problem is not limited to just my phone but my wifes also, she does not have a blackberry. Called Alltel numerous times and was told it could take up to 2 weeks before they could fix/figure out the problem. On my own trouble shooting I've found that as long as I am in my house, in my neighborhood, or in the general area that I live in I can't talk or send text messages ( or recieve them). when I leave said area I get a barrage of messages all at once.
Now I've been with Alltel for many years and never had a complaint, but obviously now I do! I was told that with the Verizon/Alltel acquisition that because Verizon bought all of the alltel stores in the city I live in that there is some confusion between the sinals and the towers. Now My contract is still with Alltel because of legal issues Verizon could not purchase all of the stores in this particular region so a few will remain Alltel and I happen to be a part of one of those that will remain Alltel.
As I said I can go a block away and recieve full service, Does that make sence?
I am looking for more information if possible about this problem.
I live in Northwest Ohio. any feedback or help would be appreciated.

[callmeox]

Check what your PRL is first. On the BB, it is #4357* and then send. If your PRL isn't 40051 or 40052 go to an area where you have service and try *228 send and follow the instructions to upgrade your roaming service.

You can also try *228 send on your wife's phone to upgrade the roaming as well.

[obamaberry]

Could you explain to me what exactly is a PRL?

[kch50428]

A PLR is a Preferred Roaming List - it is a "directory" of systems your phone is allowed to connect to when you are away from your home system.

[obamaberry]

ok thanks will give this a try

[obamaberry]

Ok my PRL version is 41000.
Just wondering if my problem has to do with roaming, shouldn't my phone still work or even at least show the roaming symbol on the screen?

[callmeox]

If the PRL is really out of sync with the towers in your area, you could have service issues like you are seeing.

This may or may not fix the issues that you are seeing, but when troubleshooting issues like this, it helps to have up-to-date software to try to pinpoint what is wrong.

[kch50428]

Originally Posted by obamaberry

Ok my PRL version is 41000.
Just wondering if my problem has to do with roaming, shouldn't my phone still work or even at least show the roaming symbol on the screen?

I think that is a divested area PRL version.

[obamaberry]

Ok well I did the update 6 times in an area that i had service in and it said that the update was succesful, and my phone still says PRL Version: 41000, and nothing has changed.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[callmeox]

It sounds like the tower that your phones are selecting when you're at home is not allowing you to connect. If you're in a divested area and they have the tower mapping screwed up, your only choice may be to wait until they figure it all out.

If it was me, I would be on the phone with them a couple of times a day until it was resolved.

If the CSR gives you a tap dance routine, ask to be escalated.

[obamaberry]

Yeah I was on the phone alot with them. I said to myself that if this isnt fixed by monday/tuesday then i will be back on the phone with them. Just alot of aggravation.

[wyodog]

41000 is a divested market PRL. I've had roaming issues with data - 1X or worse, 1x, where I've always gotten EVDO - but nothing as bad as you, since I got stuck with this PRL. And now the rare dropped call in a 4 bar area happens more often.

If you've talked with TS, maybe they had you tried these (but probably won't help): logging on with Host Routing Table; or have service books sent.

Weird that's just in your house or block & doesn't affect your wife too.

I went through 2 handsets before I got one that didn't have problems similar to yours but that was prior to the merger and was anywhere regardless of reception. Can't think of anything else to try.

[fantic]

I've been having the same issues in so. Illinois. All of my incoming calls seem to go straight to voice mail. I've tried *228 in diferent areas and it's still 41000.

[obamaberry]

Originally Posted by wyodog

41000 is a divested market PRL. I've had roaming issues with data - 1X or worse, 1x, where I've always gotten EVDO - but nothing as bad as you, since I got stuck with this PRL. And now the rare dropped call in a 4 bar area happens more often.

If you've talked with TS, maybe they had you tried these (but probably won't help): logging on with Host Routing Table; or have service books sent.

Weird that's just in your house or block & doesn't affect your wife too.

I went through 2 handsets before I got one that didn't have problems similar to yours but that was prior to the merger and was anywhere regardless of reception. Can't think of anything else to try.

No it does affect my wife also.

[obamaberry]

**Update**
As of today my phone has miraculously started working. So after exactly one week I have all of my services back. Hopefully I wont have to go 'round and 'round about them crediting my account for the week of no service.
Thanks for all of the suggestions.