I am a pretty new Alltel customer and I understand they are heavy partners with Verizon. The sales guy told me their national plan was basically Verizon and if I was digital roaming on Verizon, I would still get text messages and such as if I were in my home Alltel area. Alltel seems to have good rural coverage here in MO. Does this sound correct or was I suckered? I also noticed I have been roaming on Sprint.

Also, I have a Kyocera 5135 and reception is pretty good. Anyone have advice on phones that have good reception in rural areas?

Thanks for any information!