After a week of technical installation difficulties, I was finally able to get my Blackberry set up to be able to use as a modem, giving me internet access on my computer from anywhere I can pick up a cell tower reception. Speed isn't that of cable or DSL, but download speeds aren't bad. Cost is an additional $10+ per month (probably $12 when you add taxes). Cloudy days may be iffy, but the $10 a month sure beats the $2200 upfront charges which Cox Cable wanted to get me on high speed, plus $60 per month. The satellite companies, HughesNet and Direct TV offer similar speeds as mine, but they require 18 mo and 24 mo contracts, plus set up fees and monthly service prices between $50- $80+ per month.
I give Alltel a 2 out of 10 rating on local store rep knowledge as well as giving corporate a 0 out of 10 on instructions for setting up the Blackberry as a modem. On the opposite side of the rating scale, I give the four people at technical support 10 out of 10 on customer service, courtesy and patience as we worked through my technical problems. As for performance, I have to rate them much lower as only one was able able to solve my problem after being on the phone with them for more than six hours. The last guy got me up and running very quickly, but the others had no idea what to do. Again, all of the techs were excellent regarding their customer service skills. After hearing and experiencing so many stories from hell regarding customer service, my expectations were low, and they overwhelmed me with courtesy.
I give Alltel a 2 out of 10 rating on local store rep knowledge as well as giving corporate a 0 out of 10 on instructions for setting up the Blackberry as a modem. On the opposite side of the rating scale, I give the four people at technical support 10 out of 10 on customer service, courtesy and patience as we worked through my technical problems. As for performance, I have to rate them much lower as only one was able able to solve my problem after being on the phone with them for more than six hours. The last guy got me up and running very quickly, but the others had no idea what to do. Again, all of the techs were excellent regarding their customer service skills. After hearing and experiencing so many stories from hell regarding customer service, my expectations were low, and they overwhelmed me with courtesy.
....back!
...and my hero. 
