Verizon Wireless suffered a rather substantial network outage for a couple
hours last night here in central Virginia, namely the entire Richmond area
and points north to near Fredericksburg. As a workaround, I programmed
NAM2 of my VX6000 in such a way as to force it onto Alltel's network. I'd
be roaming, but at least I would have service if I needed it.

I noticed that periodically I would get a 1xRTT signal on the phone. I
verified using the "Serving System" feature as well as the test mode that
it was coming from SID 83 (Alltel).

I would get 1xRTT as soon as I switched the phone over to Alltel, and also
periodically every 10 minutes or so. The 1x indicator on the phone would
be on for several minutes, but I could not make or receive calls while it
was on. It would revert back to the 2G "D" indicator and everything would
work fine.

So... I suppose Alltel is starting to roll out 1xRTT here. Obviously not
ready for prime time yet, but an interesting start. Anyone know anything
about Alltel's 1x rollout in Virginia?

FWIW, the particular tower I would have been receiving these signals off
of is located at Route 30 & I-95 in Doswell, right next to King's
Dominion.

Steve