Alltel rules in NC I live in W-S, NC.

I live in Cary, NC, outside of Raleigh. If you're looking for coverage in NC outside the major metro areas, CDMA is the way to go, and Verizon and Alltel are the only options. My experience has been that Alltel's coverage is better than any other carrier in NC, GSM or CDMA, at least east of the mountains. (I've heard that GSM maybe better west of the mountains.) I can't speak specifically for Pinehurst, but my guess is that Alltel would be equal to or better than any GSM carrier or even Verizon.

FYI I'm not an Alltel hack. I use Alltel but am considering switching, but its not due to their coverage. Its their lack of a bluetooth phone.

Hope that helps.

First of all, Alltel does not provide coverage in Portland. You will be roaming off Verizon. As in most areas their coverage is fine. My ex g/f lives in Eugene and when we would talk she experienced a lot of dropped calls. Strictly from a coverage standpoint you should be fine.