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New Guy here. First post.
OK, so here's my issue. I've been a Nextel customer(moved over to Sprint awhile back) for about 10 years. My contract is about up and I'm going to get a Smartphone finally after all these years of using my Axim and cell phone separate.
I've kinda nearly decided on the Touch Pro 2 and they are both available from Sprint and Verizon. Sprint only offers the TP2 with the older OS and can't give me any idea of when they will update it if ever. Also, they want $350 for it. Verizon has it with the newest OS for $200.
Is there any reason I should stay with Sprint or should I be looking at Verizon? Other than if you have a bias for or against a particular carrier, is there a benefit of one over the other?
Thanks
JTMcD.
The new verizon OS has been a real pain for me so far.
I may be looking to switch to a cooked rom if I can't get e few things working.
I do NOT use the TF3D (or Sensui) interface, I use the normal today screen. If you use the TF3D interface, the new rom looks like it may be better for you.
If that doesn't matter, then it has more to do with the cost and coverage. Where I need my phone to work, VZW has better coverage.
I would consider these things (in no particular order):
1. Which carrier has the best coverage in my area?
2. What plans are available, and which plan suits my needs best?
3. Which carrier has the best customer service?
4. How much will equipment and accessories cost?
5. Which carrier has the most up to date software (for PDA's)?
I had AT&T for 5 years, and just recently switched to Verizon. I was considering Sprint, but when I considered the things listed above, Verizon was a better choice for me. I'm not telling you to switch to Verizon by any means. I'm just giving you some things to think about. Switching carriers can be a hassle up front, so don't expect the transition to be smooth if you do switch.
I've been reading a lot about the Touch Pro2, and it sounds to me like the Sprint and Verizon versions are pretty similar. Personally, I'm sticking with Sprint, but one advantage to the Verizon version is that, although it comes locked, apparently if you can get Vz to unlock the GSM portion of the phone, it will work with US carrier SIM cards. Not so with the Sprint version, which is unlocked by default for overseas carriers but will not work on GSM bands in the US at all (unless you hack the thing).
In terms of phone cost, I think it would be helpful to just compare your overall two year cost of ownership (e.g., including monthly plan payments) rather than just the out-the-door phone price. Also, I think it's basically a certainty that Sprint will be upgrading their Touch Pro2 to WM6.5, by the way.
That's where I'm at right now. I can say that I've had great coverage and utility from Nextel/Sprint over the past years. Talking to others though I am the minority and not the majority. My wife says it was the first carrier she had that allowed her to get a signal in class at the local college.
At the same time, People here who have Verizon swear by them.
I am leaning more toward Verizon at this point since. I figure, we have 30 days in order to switch back if we find we don't get as good of coverage.
I just wonder if Sprint is actually faster than Verizon as far as 3G/4G goes. I find it odd though that Sprint seems to be on again, off again when advertising a 4G network.
eh.... i wouldn't base your decision on what the stock rom is.... there are several good cooked roms, i have sprint and i managed to use the stock rom for about a week before i started flashing roms over... and i haven't looked back since
and sprint has some good things going for their service plans... any mobile any time. and i dont have any roaming charges, so i really dont care if sprint has good service as i get service anywhere anyone else does now....
I'm not comfortable enough to use a cooked ROM on a device I rely on. After I make the switch over to a smartphone I'll start playing with those on my Axim x51v and then maybe eventually start hacking my phone. Right now, I don't want to run the risk of bricking my new phone. I need the PDA for work as I am a trauma Nurse and use alot of different programs and if I loose my PDA, it could very well cost a life. Not just an inconvenience, it kinda is a necessity on my part.
If it wasn't for that, I'd hack it in a heartbeat.
then i would go with the one with the most stable os. personally i am sprint and have been for years but with the great rates and coverage i haven't really had a need to look elsewhere. from the above post it sounds like there are some issues to sort out with the vzw 6.5 rom and i can tell you first hand that the sprint 6.1 is very solid, fast, and stable. thus far it's been the best stock rom that i have come across. personally i just don't like 6.1 anymore or i would probably be running stock. it is a little higher in price (ok a lot higher), but it bsaically pays for itself with the cheaper plans compared to vzw.
I have had both Sprint and Verizon. I went with Verizon because everybody I know has VZW and I could basically call/text anybody I know without using any minutes or texts so it allowed me to put a super low minutes/text plan on my phone. As far as service Sprint and VZW have been pretty much equal in my book. They both kick the crap out of ATT that's for sure.
One thing NOT to worry about is the up-front cost of the phone. Considering the difference in cost for the plan over a 2 year contract, the phone's price is minor.
I just switched from Sprint to Verizon. I had two branded TP2's with Sprint and I have two branded TP2's with Verizon. I was with Sprint for 8 years prior to the switch and have had the Mogul, TP, and TP2. I've been flashing ROM's on all my Sprint phones since the Mogul.
For me personally, Verizon has the best coverage for the area where I work and live. The Verizon TP2 just "feels" better and more solid in my hand than Sprints.
As far as coverage, I was on 1x or Roaming with Sprint inside my workplace. With Verizon I have 3G. The Sprint battery would last about 12 hours at best, since my phone was constantly looking for a tower. With Verizon I get 20.5 hours of average use. Plus Verizon has Rhodium500 which is newer.
I've found the Verizon phone is faster out of the box. I just finished upgrading the phone to the newest official 6.5 build and I'm mildly impressed. But I will be on a custom rom by the end of the week.
The newest build has some touchflo GUI enhancements which is pretty slick, plus visual voicemail.
htcfan78 is right, check on coverage. I live in Florida. Verizon built backup generators at all their towers. So if another hurricane comes thru and knocks out power, I'll still have cell coverage. Can't say the same for Sprint.
Having been with Sprint for 8 years, I'm really impressed with Verizon, both the phone and customer service. But in the end its all relative to your own individual experience.
sprint would be cheaper monthly just upfront is where verizon wins.
Verizon or Sprint
Here are a few things to consider
A while back Sprint and Verizon got into bed together
Verizon wanted a fast dependable data network without paying to develop it so they actually pay sprint to use there data network, part of the agreement was that Sprint would get to use all of verizon's voice service for sprint roaming at no cost to there customers. So as far as usage they are the same network.
Verizon charges there customers for every little thing they do., and until the other day did not have a affordable everything plan. also sprint and HTC have an accord that (even though most carriers have released the final version of the phone) all the other cariers would be beta testers for the touch pro 2 .
other than that the phones are virtually identical.
oh btw sprint customer care sucks.
thanks for all the input. Keep it coming.
I'm beginning to lean a little toward the Sprint again now. I discovered that a friend of mine via a totally different website is a Sprint Tech who works on the infrastructure and tech side of things. He's provided me a little more insight on the overall costs and benefits compared to Verizon and even AT&T.
I went through the Hurricanes a few years back and remember our EMS services here in Polk swithing over to Verizon, from Sprint, after and most have more issues now than before. One of the Captians says he can be sitting in his office with a tower within visual sight and still not have a signal. I know, doesn't mean it's a Verizon tower but still....
Everyone I know on the civilian side that has Verizon has nothing but good to say about it. I think my wife and I are about the only people who have Nextel/Sprint that doesn't have a problem with cell service. From what I've read and what I've been told by some in the know, there will be a update on the Sprint Phone, just not until it is stable and as bug free as possible. This weekend, the wife and I will be out shopping and going to some of the service centers to see what kind of deals we can get. I onlt just learned about the Premiere customer service from Sprint adn apparently I more than qualify for it. Also, I think I may even get a small discount for working at the Hospital. I know Verizon has a 18 or 19% discount. Why not 20%, I don't know. ALso, I'll call and speak to Customer care at Sprint to see what they are willing to offer to keep me a a customer. Then it ultimately comes down to what Sprints plan and price is compared to Verizons plan and price and how much it costs with any addons. I read a coupld of sites over the last couple days that show where Sprint is $20 cheaper at minimum for the same services. That alone would make up the difference in phone cost. Especially over the lifetime of the phone as I don't upgrade often.
Heck, I'm still using the same Axim x51v that I bought back in 2005 and the same ic902 that I got back in 2006-7 and have been hapy with both ever since. I'm just tired of carrying both around all the time.
Thanks for all the input. Please keep it coming.
I'll chime in for Sprint. It depends on how much you talk and who you talk to, but Sprint's plans are pretty cheap. My wife and I pay ~$120 a month for unlimited messaging and data for both of us, meaning even extra premium services like GPS, TV, radio, etc. We admittedly don't have the most minutes, but Sprint lets you call any cell phone, regardless of carrier, without using minutes. We mostly just call people on their cells and call parents and the like on weekends, so the small number of minutes we get is never even closed to being exhausted. They also don't roll-over, but if we never come close to going over, who cares? I've found Sprint's coverage to be excellent where I live in Utah, and quite comparable to Verizon in the high Rockies in Colorado when we visit my parents.
There will always be good and bad stories of customer service, but I like the reps at our local Sprint store and they actually know quite a bit about the hardware they're selling (I will never forget when I was exchanging a bad Tilt (Kaiser, not the Rhodium) and I asked the AT&T rep if he had any suggestions for ROM's or software. He told me he didn't really know about any of that, but he had watched a movie on his once and thought that was cool, haha).
I have sprint.. I have the everything data plan which comes with ANY CELL ANY TIME so I can call my friends on any cell service.. I also get UNLIMITED DATA and UNLIMITED TEXT/MMS.. also 1500 minutes...
the stock rom is not good at all.. I use mighty rom and its made my phone 10000000 times better
Well, I stayed with Sprint. Took the TP2 and the wife opted for a Blackberry 8350 or something like that. She got it becasue it was Purple.....
To make things even better, Since I'm an RN and with teh Trauma team for my local hospital(probably employee discount they all get), I got an additional 23% discount on my plan so my $129 plan is closer to $100. Verizon was only giving 18% off their price so it was even a greater savings for me. So I'll more than make up the difference in price of the phone over the next year.
Thanks for all the input. As you can probably already see, I'm playing with the new phone and already have questioins.
This is directly from TMoNews but I'm curious to see how the results will compare with theirs. I figure that TMoNews just might be... a little biased. You think?
So I wanted to post a poll on here where there are a variety of people that would share their opinions. Some of you are with AT&T... some might be with T-Mobile... others... well... why do you even care anyway?
Right... so on with it.
So unless you’ve been sleeping for the past month you likely know AT&T is purchasing T-Mobile. Understandably so, there is a population of readers up in arms and want T-Mobile to stay T-Mobile and those who see the benefits of an AT&T deal. Here is your chance to sound off, T-Mobile reads this blog every day so they’ll see your vote. Will it affect anything, probably not. However, it is a chance to make your voice known as to how you feel regarding this shocking news. Vote away! (quoted from TMoNews)
WARNING!
By the way, keep this ON TOPIC! If it strays from topic I will close it without hesitation. This will not be used to raise your post count, this will not be used for flaming, this will not be a troll fest. If I see ANY of this, the posts will be removed, the member(s) will receive an infraction and the thread will be closed!
I'm not sure what to make of it, even if it does succeed. I prefer T-Mobile to AT&T for better data speeds and cell service where I am. But AT&T has decent cell service, too. Their data speeds aren't as good as T-Mobile's. Regardless of whatever happens with the acquisition, T-Mobile would be wise to market quad band 3G data phones because just the idea of AT&T buying them will severely hamper any sales of phones. If people know their brand new T-Mobile smartphones will continue to work with AT&T, then they will continue to buy. But if T-Mobile doesn't take steps to ensure the continued operation of their phones with AT&T, even if the acquisition fails, then sales will plummet.
MartyLK said:
...T-Mobile would be wise to market quad band 3G data phones because just the idea of AT&T buying them will severely hamper any sales of phones. If people know their brand new T-Mobile smartphones will continue to work with AT&T, then they will continue to buy. But if T-Mobile doesn't take steps to ensure the continued operation of their phones with AT&T, even if the acquisition fails, then sales will plummet.
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I agree. Some T-Mobile devices already support AT&T 3G. To my understanding the Vibrant does already. Although I haven't tried it for myself. They are also releasing several new phones in the near future that got me all excited such as the HTC Sensation. I love pretty much everything about that phone and I can't wait until it's release this summer! BUT! If I can't use it on AT&T's 3G network... then what would be the point of buying it? Unless AT&T adopts T-Mobiles 3G spectrum which is also a possiblity. But honestly, I am having second thoughts now about upgrading to a new phone because what if this merger DOES go through and worse case scenerio DOES happen? I'm on a T-Mobile Loyalty plan that I love! After this deal goes through (assuming of course, it does) I don't think that AT&T will want to keep me on this 'special' plan.
Just comparing what I have now with AT&T:
Tmobile:
Plan: Unlimited Loyalty $49.99
Includes - Unlimited Whenever Minutes, Unlimited Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Weeknight Minutes, WorldClass International Service
Services:
CallerTunes $1.49
Data and Text: T-Mobile Android Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages $34.99
TOTAL: $86.47
If I was to try to get something similiar with AT&T
AT&T
Plan: Nation Unlimited $69.99
Services:
DataPro 4GB for HSPA+ Smartphone Tethering $45.00
Messaging Unlimited $20
TOTAL: $134.99
Difference of 1gb less data each month and costing me $48.52 MORE every month.
I don't think so.
More 2/3G towers for TMO users to access and new HSPA+ towers for ATT..
Yeah good deal for signal.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
What will happen to T-mobile contracts to those who still have T-mobile when and if AT&T buys it? will we start to pay more? or will we keep the same prices? what's going on :c
caoticpsycho said:
What will happen to T-mobile contracts to those who still have T-mobile when and if AT&T buys it? will we start to pay more? or will we keep the same prices? what's going on :c
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T-Mobile keeps saying that nothing will change.
AT&T says that nothing will change.
But we all know that AT&T is not going to be offering T-Moble rate plans to new customers so they will probably be grandfathered. Which means once you change your T-Mobile rate plan to an AT&T plan... you can't go back. Also when you change your phone by upgrading it is possible that you may have to change your rate plan and services.
So worse case scenario here, you go with the merger, become an AT&T customer and two or three years down the row you want to get the newest and latest phone. By that time AT&T will more than likely NOT be able to allow you to keep your current plan.
But... all of that is just my own personal assumption and again... worse case scenario.
AT&T haven't acquired TMobile. Only T-Mobile USA as I understand it. Either way, my feelings are nothing. I nothing it as I'm English and really don't care nor understand the politics of choosing a phone provider in America!
MarkusPO said:
AT&T haven't acquired TMobile. Only T-Mobile USA as I understand it. Either way, my feelings are nothing. I nothing it as I'm English and really don't care nor understand the politics of choosing a phone provider in America!
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Then why respond to the thread?
My opinion is that it will only benefit AT&T customers (maybe)
T-mobile customers will be screwed. We will be grandfathered in until we want an upgrade and be forced to switch. It will also create a GSM monopoly which will benefit no one (customers, I don't care about shareholders or CEO bonuses) I truly hope they block this merger.
Sent from either my Nexus S, N1 or telepathically using two tin cans and some string.
If i dont see some good deals then im going right to verizon
Binary100100 said:
T-Mobile keeps saying that nothing will change.
AT&T says that nothing will change.
But we all know that AT&T is not going to be offering T-Moble rate plans to new customers so they will probably be grandfathered. Which means once you change your T-Mobile rate plan to an AT&T plan... you can't go back. Also when you change your phone by upgrading it is possible that you may have to change your rate plan and services.
So worse case scenario here, you go with the merger, become an AT&T customer and two or three years down the row you want to get the newest and latest phone. By that time AT&T will more than likely NOT be able to allow you to keep your current plan.
But... all of that is just my own personal assumption and again... worse case scenario.
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As one of the oldest people in this forum, this will not be good for the consumer. I do mergers and acquisitions, and this one will not be a price reduction to us. Bottom line this will not benefit us the consumer. It will help ATT... but for us....... we will come up short and most likely have to look at going to Verizon or Sprint I hope it does not go through.
It is a terrible concept. At&t claims it will save consumers money, but as soon as new phones come out, and T-mobile customers want to upgrade to them, they will have to move to AT&T's expensive plans. I think the reasonably priced underdogs should have teamed up (Sprint and T-mobile) And I mean teamed up not bought out. Then they would be able to afford their cheap plans, they would be given the newest phones, and would make it to number one. Instead At&t will suck everyone dry until Sprint is out of business, and At&t customers realize how much they are getting ripped off. Then it will just be Verizon on top.
IMO
There's a reason Ma Bell was split up in 1984 due to an antitrust suit. Slowly they're sucking up the competition again. I don't think that having a GSM monopoly here in America is a good choice at all. It's bad for consumers because it's taking away our choices. I prefer GSM at this point to CDMA because I like the flexibility of a sim card and the fact that as far as 3G is concerned, the speeds are faster. (I'm not factoring in anything that has to do with LTE sim cards as it's still too new) I don't want to switch to Sprint or Verizon, I get too good of a deal on T-Mobile. I've had AT&T in the past and I lived in an area with a TON of dropped calls. It was horrid, and I hated their customer service. I do NOT want to be a part of AT&T again. I really hope this does not get approved. At least then T-Mobile gets 3 billion dollars from AT&T, some spectrum, and roaming agreements.
Censura_Umbra said:
...It is a terrible concept. At&t claims it will save consumers money, but as soon as new phones come out, and T-mobile customers want to upgrade to them, they will have to move to AT&T's expensive plans...
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Which is EXACTLY what I was referring to in post #7. And I don't look forward to paying $50 or more every month. Yes... it would be ~$50 according to my comparison:
Just comparing what I have now with AT&T:
Tmobile:
Plan: Unlimited Loyalty $49.99
Includes - Unlimited Whenever Minutes, Unlimited Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Weeknight Minutes, WorldClass International Service
Services:
CallerTunes $1.49
Data and Text: T-Mobile Android Unlimited Web + Unlimited Messages $34.99
TOTAL: $86.47
If I was to try to get something similiar with AT&T
AT&T
Plan: Nation Unlimited $69.99
Services:
DataPro 4GB for HSPA+ Smartphone Tethering $45.00
Messaging Unlimited $20
TOTAL: $134.99
Difference of 1gb less data each month and costing me $48.52 MORE every month.
So has anybody heard of any recent updates to this?
well ... i "vomited" online, all over, my rants ( opinions) on this matter, so, all i have to say is :THIS IS CRAP WRAPPED WITH A PRETTY AND SHINY BOW ... BUT AFTER U GET RID OF THE BOW, THE CRAP STILL SMELLS LIKE ...S /-/ iT ...
HERE IS MY REPLY / VIEW ON THIS from another post. We need to show our resent to FCC and DoD to stop this deal. Is there any cases/notices/appeals/votes going on ?? I am no lawer but i seriously believe that we can win the case by just presenting some of the FACTS from these posts.
Every company has flaws. For ATT it happens to be their network. As another member said pick your poison. I will agree with you that verizon is even more expensive than ATT but i wont agree that TMO-ATT merger can be good. I wont compare services as they are location dependent. But just for the competition sake. For e.g. :
1. TMO offers completely different plans than ATT. (and one of the cheapest data plans for $10). Also international users still have a choice of unlimited data plans. Its just what suits you.
2. TMO has more choices of top smartphones. Some of the current and future dual core phones for TMobile are - LG G2X, HTC sensation, Galaxy S2 while Atrix is the only dual core yet announced (Both are supposed to get LG 3Ds). TMO even beats ATT selection in single cores. Almost a year old Iphone 4 and Captivate are next best phones on ATT. While TMO has/had plenty of HTC, Samsung and motorola phones to choose from.
Just answer if GPS on captivate didnt work what choice were ATT customers given - none till this feb, meanwhile all the other companies released tons of android devices to suit everybodys needs. I know ATT supposed to release 15-20 android phones this year but when ? we are done with 1/3 year and all we know is LG thrill 3D and Infuse without any dates. I am sure even then TMO will have more choices to select from.
Its very important for US customers to have GSM competition as all new phone technology in world is first released in GSM. CDMA versions (IPhone, Bionic) are always months late.
3. Again right now TMOs 4G is ON while ATTs not. Atleast some GSM customers have a choice to select a working service.
4. As for what you said "Better coverage, lower prices? ", I seriously doubt less GSM competition will result in lower prices. Plus GSM coverage will still be the same. Its just that ATT will have it all and customers wont have any choice.
To conclude, If TMo-ATT deals is allowed to happen, competition (all the above stated FACTS) will severly degrade with only one GSM player.
I tried to be as neutral as i could & Just presented it from shoppers point of view. I know ATT has many positives over TMo as well. All the more reason the deal shouln't happen. Just to have a choice and maintain competition of devices and services. ATT should improve their network like everybody else by investing in it rather than buying off competition.
P.S: I hate long replies
link12245 said:
The reason HSUPA isn't enable is because android is very finicky with HSUPA. With the captivate, for example, you could change a modem file and get HSUPA, but it would normally knock out Bluetooth, or call quality. They're working to fix this, it's already in testing, so you should have your fix very soon. Also, what's your beef with the T-mo buyout? Better coverage, lower prices? Seems to be a win win for me. Either way, you can't really stop it, so just go to Verizon, get your Thunderbolt which is 1/2 as powerful with 1/4 the battery and twice the bill. Enjoy your 12mb/s (in only about 40 cities) while I'll enjoy my plenty fast 5-8mb/s when the back-haul to the towers is all complete (which in my area is the end of this month). Oh no, it actually takes time for a company to push out a nation wide roll out! Amazing that they can't just nod their head and it be done.
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What's going to happen is just like what happened when alltel got baught out by verizon. Here's the scoop when your grandfathered in with tmobile and the switch happens, you can still keep your plan when you upgrade. You can still have the tmo plan but att is billing you. So it won't hurt people I don't think. Just better signal all around. Besides when the buy out is complete there will still be tmobile stands in some markets, if it goes accordingly as it did with alltel and verizon. Good or bad? I say good! Now America will have a good gsm network. Very much comparable to verizon.
they dont even have their own network together to be trying to buy someone else out!!!!
Someone needs to buy AT&T out! Even though it will never happen!
Hi All,
I'm debating tossing the towel in with Sprint, and am looking for what you guys are suggesting. First and foremost, I need Windows Phone, so right away AT&T is very attractive. But here's my delemia.
Currently, I have Sprint with the following plan.
1500 Anytime + Unlimited Data + Unlimited Messaging + Unlimited M2M + 3G/4G on 4 lines
Total $215 a month (and rising, this was originally $160 with my work discount a year ago)
Well, thier service has been horrid, data speeds are pathetic and I'm just wanting to give up with them.
So that pretty much leaves me with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Verizon = out of question, for my plan it's like 360 bucks.
AT&T = most likely, as I can align my package to what I use, plus get roll over and keep that M2M or (anymobile if you will) for relativly 180 bucks, BUT, the kicker.
With TMobile still having an unlimited data plan (ala capped), would you guys think it's worth the risk to sign up with tmobile and hope the plan carries through?
Also, I read alot about congestion on AT&T, and honestly, I can't imagine it's worse than Sprint. Sprint just friggen sucks really bad lately, data speeds are 10x slower than Dial Up.
Anyone else switch from Sprint to another carrier recently want to chime in? This is gonna cost me nearly $1200 so I want to make sure it's worth it.
Thanks!
I recommend us cellular. I have been with them for over 12 years and service has always been great. phone selection isn't always good because they are a small carrier but they have a lot of android phones and at least one windows phone.
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500
why do you need a windows phone?
Why do people need iPhones?
Really though I have apps to support in marketplace.
so as someone that's been with t-mo for over 10 years now...yes is a good one and worth the risk...
there's still a good chance that att will buy them, but there's a lot of opposition and legal challenges coming up
I think you can clearly get a better deal...and since they don't have larger user bases, the network doesn't tend to be as saturated and they tend to try harder to keep their customers...once you learn the tricks during the every two year renegotiation....
I would suggest, you take as much time as you can to try out their service int eh first 15 days they give you, to see what their network coverage is like in your area, but where I am, it's more than adequet. and the nice thing about them, that I'm experienceing, is while I don't have a 4g phone, my speeds keep getting better as they improve the hspa network speeds, unlike LTE, which if you don't get an lte phone now, you won't get any better performance until you upgrade...
I've been with spring a long time ago, left att to go to t-mobile, and had a verizon work phone a year ago that I gave back...I'm still very happy with t-mo and will stick with them unless att buys them.
Hello All,
I am one of the people that do more reading on xda than post, so sorry for my low post count. This question is to get more feedback and also allow to me vent a bit.
Like mostly everyone that is on XDA loves their phone or tablet and wants to get the most out of it and/or make it their own. Many of us are gadget lovers and really enjoy the evolution of technology as it comes out. I am sure many of us would love to or have been to CES in Las Vegas (or any electronics show). All and all, when the day is over we are all sophisticated geeks (to others or in our own mind).
Myself, I am in a daily battle to stay on-top of technology as much as I can. What is the problem with that? Money. (can I get a Amen?). We will not even go into the social life talk in this post, because after all it is just a question. I find myself always seeing what service provider will release next. I have once worked for Sprint in the corporate side and know a lot that goes on behind the curtain. Providers are shown many new and current handsets that have and have not launched in the market yet. There is a team that looks at all angles of the phone before giving a thumbs up to it. It all comes down to what the customer will buy.
SO... allow me to get to the point and question....
- Do you find yourself migrating from service provider to service provider based on what type of handset(s) they have new and existing?
- Do you sit there and joggle the pros and cons of dealing with a service provider you know you are not going to want to be with and/or deal with, but they have a handset you want (so badly)?
- Do you try to find ways out of your contract so you can switch providers just to get into that phone?
- Do you put yourself on a pay as you go plan, and just buy the phone out-right just so you are not held down to a contract?
- Are you on the look out for new mobile providers to see what they offer as for phones Vs rate plans? (Example: ting.com in the USA)
Being honest, other than Cicket, and TrackPhone in the USA... I have been on EVERY service provider (in the USA). If I could get frequent flyer miles for my mobile number, I would be PRIME GOLD ELITE by now.
Alright, your turn... what SAY YOU?
I take it for most this is too much or two hard to answer?
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
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Android311 said:
Hello there! I always have been on pay as you go, the reason in $, I would get a contract but don't want to be tied down for 2 years, virgin mobile dosent have many Android phones so I just wait till they come out with new ones, I'm patient , service providers to me isn't that great of a deal, as long as service is good and the price is right, service is an opinion, some people think tmobile is better and some think at&t is better, ive been on boost mobile, virgin mobile, at&t and sprint, service seemed the same to me, so I don't research and debate to see what's best, to me I think contract phone bills can be a little to over priced, but this is only my opinion
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Thank you for the reply I agree with you. Looking at T-Mobile for example, their non-contract plans are lower cost then their normal plans. I was lost as to why this is and did not want to go into it with why this is.
ya im not sure why that is, perhaps maybe services use "pre-paid" as a marketing strategy to get new customers to try there service out and experiment how they like and feel about the company, if a customer has been on there prepaid for a while and likes them they might say hey, i like this service provider...maybe i should get a contract with them. Now that customer is with them for 2 years (or what ever the contract is). As price for pre paid and why its sometimes cheaper im not sure, im still trying to figure that out
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
chrism.brunner said:
I have gone back and forth between post paid and prepaid. As for me, the cost on prepaid is much better. However, the customer service is horrible in prepaid. I am with ATT, and recently had switched from postpaid to prepaid, then had an issue with the phone i bought on postpaid and had to pay the etf to get out of contract. Needless to say, I couldn't get any where with customer service, and had to switch back to postpaid to resolve my issue, and then back to postpaid. Why. Because i had so much into the phone. Anyway, customer service is a big difference, even between different service providers.
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I agree, I have noticed that if you move into Pre-Paid service you fall into the ol' "You get what you pay for" type of deal. I have head through out the roomer mill that some companies may go 100% full automated for all pre-paid accounts. Thus, if the automation service can not fix your problem, then there is no one live that can help you. I can just think how awful that would be if you are trying to port your number over and you run in to issues.
Have any of you guys/gals noticed this? I have seen this time and time again. The quality of phone used in pre-paid Vs. that of Post-Paid. I think the core reason is that people just have issues paying 300.00 or more for a phone. They seem to love only paying 200.00 or less for a smartphone.
Even the same make and model between Pre and post... it just feels cheaper on a Pre-paid device.
Any takers on this?
I wouldn't say it feels cheaper on a prepaid device, maybe its some people mind that they feel there phone is cheap or themselves are cheap because they are on pay as you go, there is nothing wrong with prepaid...just don't have much of a phone selection, in this economy I'm sure alot of people are switching to prepaid due to they pay to much and fear if they can't pay the bills and ruin there credit
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I just switched to straight talk today. $45 per month. With Att I paid $75 a months,with 500 MB. That was prepaid. So I like saving $30.
im with ATT now, i left sprint because of the prices, they've gotten higher since getting 4g (charging $10 a month per line) and with 5 lines that was to much for me, i went to tmobile next but ever single month they over charged me and then in a 3 month span charged me 4 times, so i left them and now im with ATT no problems so far. i think all carriers have great phones and everyone will find one they like from anywhere its mainly a budget issue with me
My question: should I switch from VZW to AT&T? I have the unlimited data plan with VZW, I barely get close to 1.5gbs of use even with LTE. My wife has AT&T with the unlimited data plan as well. We could save about 40 dollars a month if I make the switch, plus I really want this phone. I had the razr maxx and the battery life is amazing but I gave that up and went back to a iPhone 4s. I love the camera, what can I say. Anyway, what are y'alls opinions on making the switch, I am located in Tampa so there is LTE here. Thanks in advance
Honestly I LOVE my AT&T One X. BUT I don't know that I would leave Unlimited Data in an LTE area... I think the best thing you could do is wait for Verizon to release their version of the Galaxy S III and go for that on Verizon.
I'm not trolling the GSIII I just think leaving Unlimited Data if you are happy with your current coverage with Verizon would be a big hit. Plus with how fast LTE is and how much data you could consume... If you weren't on Unlimited and AT&T gave you good coverage in your area, I would say go for the One X, it's an amazing phone.
Just my Opinion.
..Gromet
I may be biased. I work for att, but not for mobility. Here is my experience though. I am in Dallas so LTE for both verizon and ATT.
ATT:
LTE speeds are amazing. 30 mbps down 18 mbps up. (no network congestion)
4G speeds are good. 8 mbps down 2 mbps up.
LTE coverage is limited but 4g speeds make up for it. If you live in a coverage area, then this phone is great.
Customer service has always been helpful to me. Never considered any of them retards but some are uneducated. To them it is a job, for us it is a passion so there will always be that difference there.
Verizon:
LTE speeds are decent. 15 mbps down 8 mbps up.
3G/ CDMA speeds are horrible!!! 1 mbps down 200kbps up
Wide LTE network but with very weak signal. (cant penetrate office building or apartment or carport.)
If you dont get LTE, your data acts like a slug stuck in maple syrup.
Customer service is atrocious.
Little side story:
Switched to verizon on jan 1st for the galaxy nexus. I had ATT port my number over to verizon and they set up my account with auto-billing. I loved the phone, and out doors the speeds were pretty good. ATT disconnected my account and I paid the ETF of like 200 bucks. Over the next 5 days i was plagued with issues. No data indoors. No voice indoors. Kept dropping LTE while i was in the dark red LTE coverage map. I ended up returning the phone on the 5th of January.
Called ATT and they ported my number back and closed out my Verizon account. I returned the phone and the box under their "No worry guarantee" that states no ETF or charges in the first 14 days if you arent happy with service. ATT took me back with open arms and acted like it never happened. Instant refund of ETF, kept my grandfathered unlimited data.
March 8th Verizon charged 472.58 for the ETF and one month of service... I have called every 5 days to get my money back... still havent received my check. Worst customer service ever.
This actually got me fired back up. Just filed a BBB complaint.
On a side note:
The one X is a great phone. I would take it hands down to an iPhone. I am not a fanboy of any phone. Ive had them all. Its for the sure, the best android phone i have owned. iPhone is still more user friendly but this phone has the power. The camera on this beast is purely amazing. My gf has the iphone 4s and she likes my camera more.
Interesting - I face(d) a similar dilemma...
I'm in Columbus, OH so I've gotten used to verizon lte for over a year now. I've been more than pleased with verizon's service in general I'm not sure how at&t's service is here but we'll see..... I have a feeling their HSPA+ here sucks, I know their latency/ping times historically have been bad here. I'm confident LTE will be here by the end of the year though.
Basically at this point at&t has some phones I really wish vzw had - lumia, gnote, and of course the one x.
That said, I just took the plunge last night for the $130 gray one x on amazon it just seems awesome and my droid charge isn't cutting it (since my razr went through the washing machine )
I'm going to have to pay a $200 ETF on verizon, but that plus the price of the one x is the same or less than I'd be paying even if I bought a used galaxy nexus off craigslist. If at&t's service ends up sucking, I'll get out of the contract within 30 days, port my number back over to verizon where I'd technically be considered a new customer and I could get a brand new subsidized phone much cheaper than if I stayed and went craigslist route off contract.
oh by the way - I really miss simply swapping sim cards between GSM phones. Verizon makes a B to switch phones, even with the 4g LTE phones which use the SIM, you can't reuse your old sim ever, you always have to get a new one, its ridiculous.
Pick your carrier based coverage, not a single device. Every one of the "big 4" carriers are picking up a phone in the One series, so its a good bet that Verizon will follow suit and release a version of the One, or something very similar.
If your wife gets good reception in your area, and losing the unlimited data plan is not an issue (which it doesn't sound like it is), then by all means switch. Saving $40 a month is significant. But just anecdotal experience, AT&T coverage is awful in many places where Verizon gets full bars. You'll find spots where one carrier is better than another, and vice versa. But overall, its my experience that Verizon gets signal in more places than AT&T, particularly in less settled rural areas. I was on a trip in Alabama with friends last year. The Verizon folks in my group had full bars and fast 3G. I had no data, and could barely even make a voice call (with sound breaking up and dropped calls) on AT&T.
redpoint73 said:
Pick your carrier based coverage, not a single device. Every one of the "big 4" carriers are picking up a phone in the One series, so its a good bet that Verizon will follow suit and release a version of the One, or something very similar.
If your wife gets good reception in your area, and losing the unlimited data plan is not an issue (which it doesn't sound like it is), then by all means switch. Saving $40 a month is significant. But just anecdotal experience, AT&T coverage is awful in many places where Verizon gets full bars. You'll find spots where one carrier is better than another, and vice versa. But overall, its my experience that Verizon gets signal in more places than AT&T, particularly in less settled rural areas. I was on a trip in Alabama with friends last year. The Verizon folks in my group had full bars and fast 3G. I had no data, and could barely even make a voice call (with sound breaking up and dropped calls) on AT&T.
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Actually HTC confirmed that Verizon won't be carrying any of the one series. But to the OP, I think you should stay with Verizon cause you have a sweet deal. Unlimited data with LTE and good coverage? Don't give that up that would be a mistake in my opinion. Like someone else said I think you should wait for the Verizon LTE version of the Samung Galaxy S III
Good points made by all - I'm personally tired of verizon skipping out on quality phones. They won't carry the one x because they want to feature the droid incredible lte - what a joke, I don't want a 4" phone. Verizon doesn't like WP7 and won't have the lumia for the foreseeable future. THey didn't carry the galaxy note, they didn't carry the SGII because of the galaxy nexus, etc... I'm tired of all the "droid" line of phones too, that terminology is old and annoying.
All that said the actual carrier IS very important - if at&t sucks, I'll switch back. I don't use LTE or mobile data enough for my unlimited data to matter to me.
I feel the same way about the droid line.... Let me know how it goes with AT&T dude. I'll wait for know
Think long term. If you give up your unlimited plan, chances are you will not be able to get it back. Regardless of if you use sub-2gb/mo now, you will definitely use more in years to come. Mobile data usage will only increase as carriers try to push cloud services, streaming services increasingly stream at higher bitrates, and so on. You don't want to get caught with your pants down tomorrow because you decided to save $40/mo today.
Likewise, consider what you would be trading it for - a phone that will become mediocre within a year, and completely replaceable by the time your contract expires. Will it really be worth it?
If you have unlimited, keep it.
I have been testing the theory that I can upload all of my media to the cloud and use google music or similar. So what I did was upload my media (appx 14gb), took out my external sd card (Captivate I-897) and started using the streaming service on 5/9/12.
Proir to the test I was at max hitting 1gb per month on my unlimited data plan.
In less than one week streaming my media..... 1.5gb! I will easily go over 5gb in a month and expect to be throttled.
I really like the One-X, but it is becoming clear that it won't work for me with only 10gb of usable storage.
I don't keep anything on my phone. Maybe like 20 songs max. I use it for email, web and talking. I will have to see I guess.
eakrish said:
I don't keep anything on my phone. Maybe like 20 songs max. I use it for email, web and talking. I will have to see I guess.
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Yeah, maybe your current usage needs don't exceed the base and thus make unlimited seem unnecessary. But typical data usage has increased over time, not decreased, so if tiers stay the same there will be many people crossing the base data plan threshold into overage territory.
I just think unlimited is worthwhile to keep in this climate of increased cloud usage.
barondebxl said:
Actually HTC confirmed that Verizon won't be carrying any of the one series.
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Some websites are calling the Incredible 4G LTE just a repackaged One S. Although agreed, its a budget phone, and not on the same level as the One X.
Really odd to see people complaining about the Android lineup on Verizon, and talking about jumping to AT&T. AT&T has always been a joke as far as Android support. They just happen to have one good phone right now.
redpoint73 said:
Really odd to see people complaining about the Android lineup on Verizon, and talking about jumping to AT&T. AT&T has always been a joke as far as Android support. They just happen to have one good phone right now.
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Really, just one good Android phone? They've always had better phones than VZW. VZW carries like 1 HTC, 14 Motorola's, and if you're lucky 1 or 2 sub-par Samsung devices a year. Not to mention the CDMA Galaxy Nexus on VZW is a joke. Was the rumor of Google no longer supporting the Galaxy Nexus true?
dale_cooper said:
Interesting - I face(d) a similar dilemma...
I'm in Columbus, OH so I've gotten used to verizon lte for over a year now. I've been more than pleased with verizon's service in general I'm not sure how at&t's service is here but we'll see..... I have a feeling their HSPA+ here sucks, I know their latency/ping times historically have been bad here. I'm confident LTE will be here by the end of the year though.
Basically at this point at&t has some phones I really wish vzw had - lumia, gnote, and of course the one x.
That said, I just took the plunge last night for the $130 gray one x on amazon it just seems awesome and my droid charge isn't cutting it (since my razr went through the washing machine )
I'm going to have to pay a $200 ETF on verizon, but that plus the price of the one x is the same or less than I'd be paying even if I bought a used galaxy nexus off craigslist. If at&t's service ends up sucking, I'll get out of the contract within 30 days, port my number back over to verizon where I'd technically be considered a new customer and I could get a brand new subsidized phone much cheaper than if I stayed and went craigslist route off contract.
oh by the way - I really miss simply swapping sim cards between GSM phones. Verizon makes a B to switch phones, even with the 4g LTE phones which use the SIM, you can't reuse your old sim ever, you always have to get a new one, its ridiculous.
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Just an FYI, with the 4G LTE devices on Verizon, you can swap SIM cards no problem. I have switched between probably 5 or 6 different phones without issue.
Y2J
I dumped att and decided to try Verizon and razr maxx, ended up returning maxx and going back to att for the hox. I agree about there not being great devices on Verizon( at this time at least). Even though I live in a Verizon lte area my data speeds seem similar on att....why I have no idea. Anyhow I use wifi a lot, so really unless it was really lagging I don't care.
I do want to add just like a previous poster on this thread Verizon tried to hit me with a bill for $466 for 8 days of service. They were trying to say I did not return phone. Well luckily I still had return receipt, but it took a lot of phone calls.
I called up Verizon and they offered me a free upgrade to whatever LTE device I wanted plus 100 dollars off, what should I get?
Wait for the g3?
I have until the 31st of May....
Unfortunately they really don't have any lte devices worth a crap besides the GN.
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