Regional carriers offer wireless alternatives (CNET)
If you live in a metropolitan area, it is likely that you prefer the wireless services of one of the big four (Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, or T-Mobile). The top carriers are aggressive in large markets, but leave smaller, rural markets to niche wireless providers such as Alltel and Suncom Wireless.
Regional carriers are usually the first to invest in their rural markets, knowing a majority of their customers reside in these areas. This business strategy has worked well for the local wireless providers, allowing them to compete with larger carriers who upgrade rural markets on a secondary basis.
Regional carrier customers can often select from service packages which are comparable to the larger wireless providers. However, as larger carriers expand and upgrade their networks, companies such as Alltel and Suncom are aware that consolidation or greater competition is possible. The regional carriers are already offering alternative services, such as inter-network free calling and dropped call credit from Alltel. If the customer service novelties pay off, then we may see regional carriers operating much longer than some expect.