AT&T completes conversion of Alltel system in eastern Nevada

Wireless customers in northeastern Nevada now can use the popular iPhone if they choose.

On Sunday more than 25,000 Alltel Wireless customers in Elko, Eureka, White Pine, Lander and Lincoln counties had their phone service converted to AT&T Wireless, which acquired the territories in June from Verizon Wireless and rolled out a rebranding campaign over the weekend. AT&T is the exclusive carrier for the iPhone.

At close of business on Saturday, the two Alltel stores in Elko and one in Battle Mountain were rebranded as AT&T properties. Switching networks required much more work, says John Britton of AT&T corporate communications. Wireless transmission equipment in the five counties was converted to AT&T's technology over the past few months.

The conversion happened much sooner than the company expected after picking up the Alltel territories from Verizon on June 22. Britton says Verizon was required to divest certain territories due to conflict of interest.

"It's a really exciting time for us to be taking over this area," Britton says. "It is a chance for us to bring new products and services to those customers."

Former Alltel customers have the option of receiving a new AT&T 3G phone comparable to their current phone at no additional cost or service commitment, Britton says.