Now that Alltel prepaid phones are again available in select areas of the states of SC, OH, IL, GA and NC, let's take another look at their no-contract phones. It turns out they have touchscreen phones that range from about $80 all the way up to $340 which include a few Android phones. Basic phones are available for as low as $4. There is a $25 activation fee.
Other touchscreen phones available, when I checked, included the HTC Merge ($339.99), Motorola Milestone X and Milestone Plus ($294.99 each), the LG Axis and Samsung Admire ($179.99 each), the LG Optimus 2 ($139.99), the LG Exchange and Samsung Character phones ($79.99) each and finally the Samsung Messager Touch (at $54.99).
The non-touchscreen phones tend to be more basic such as the LG Axis (only $3.99), but they also include the high-end Sony Experia gaming phone ($329.99).
If you just want a basic camera phone, you can get an Alltel Snap for just $14.99. Yes, it has a camera.
And if you just want a phone, you can get order the LG AX145 from Alltel for 99 cents -- almost free, but remember there's an activation fee.
The prepaid plans have a higher minimum yearly cost due to their per-day charges on pay-per-day plans, and monthly usage fee for their pay-per-minutes plans, addition to their per-minute charges.
You can buy the phones through the Alltel Wireless website once you enter a valid zip code where they offer service. You can also use the store locator on their site if you want to walk in and choose one out yourself.
Alltel prepaid phones used to be available at Walmart. I don't think that's true anymore. I went to Walmart's website and set the preferred store for an area in SC where Alltel does offer service. I found no Alltel phones listed. If I'm wrong, please let me know via the feedback form.
Cellular Country carries a selection of refurbished Alltel phones ranging from $34.99 to $69.99 including some Blackberry models as well as a couple of basic Android phones. According to Cellular Country, all these phones have had their electronic serial number (ESN) verified to make sure they work with Alltel. All you have to do after you purchase and receive the phone is to call Alltel and have them associate the ESN of the phone with your account.