Related
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.
http://www.loweringthebarforus.org/news/entry/will_t-mobile_usa_disappear_in_2011
looks like tmobile is closing down? what do you think?
The last sentence in the article sums it up nicely "The brand name may disappear but the company operations and stakeholders will remain."
TMo just replaced their US CEO with new blood (lets let some of the Euro hardware in, m'kay?) like literally just a few weeks ago, and they're suggesting they're pretty aggressive with continuing the rollout of HSPA+ nationwide. The Voice Stream er Tmobile name may go away, but the entity it self isn't going anywhere.
...And although Sprint and Tmobile's target demographic does suggest a lot of overlap, in my belief, in the event of an end of days scenario for Tmo the most likely acquirer of tmo would be.... ATT! Tmo is shaped nicely to fit into the hole in ATT's portfolio. ATT is phasing out of iDevice exclusivity quite soon and would welcome the inflows of Android devices and their higher than normal profit margins. And for the shareholders, such an acquisition would give ATT significantly more Mobile exposure and offset some of the massive cash hemmoraging from their ailing Landline business. And finally, a huge majority of Tmo's Phones in the US were originally equipped with ATT compatible radios in their source countries where ATT already has a presence, then converted for the US - the whole thing just lines up quite well!
If ATT does pick up TMo,im deffinately leaving. Not sure who ill switch to tho,everyone else is more expensive and ATT doesnt have "unlimited data" anymore. Sprint's customer service sucks,and Verizon will charge you as much as they want cause they can.
Tabasco1TX said:
If ATT does pick up TMo,im deffinately leaving...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 me too! I truly hope TMOUS stays…I like my service and the customer support is better than any other phone service I have had.
I wouldn't worry to much about it. They claim their lack of 4G is whats gonna hold them back. But whats funny is untill last year every network but sprint said 4G was a joke and would never work. After seeing the first 4G phone appear on the market I'm inclined to think 4G is gonna be a failure for mobile. No one wants a phone with 2 hours of battery life in trade for double the speed. Besides didn't Tmo already say they plan to roll out 4G in 2012, and everyone else jumped on the bandwagon saying 2011. If I were tmo I would skip it and hold out. They already use 3.75G Also the OPs post looks like a propoganda blog, heres the latest real news site report on TMO
http://connectedplanetonline.com/3g4g/news/tmobile-expanding-4g-061610/
They are claiming their 3G with HSPA or whatever is actually faster then sprint 4G. LOL Having tried all the 3G networks around here I wouldn't disagree with this statement. All my coworkers have to hook up to my phone via wifi to get any HD video on their phones. For some reason Verizon, ATT, and Sprint don't support it through their data plans, yet all 4 can connect to my Tmo 3G and watch HD youtube all night. We all though this would of made a great Tmo, Verizon, ATT map commercial.
Sounds like a lot of baseless speculation, just like a Sprint/Nextel merger. Teaming up with Virgin Mobile? Really
T-Mobile won't be acquired by AT&T, don't worry about it. If AT&T could kill some competition and become #1 they would've purchased T-Mobile
T-Mobile is still making millions, unlike Sprint.
Actaully sprints not in too bad of shape. They have many loans out but all are paid up and they have live 200 million in the bank for a rainy day. They took out billions to roll out 4G and now they basically own it and are years ahead of everyone else in 4G. I've actaully noticed many more sprint phones the past 6 months too. That Dan guy must be doing something right. LOL
BTW I'm getting
2.74 down
0.74 up
211 ping
Boy they aren't kidding, the HSPA doubled your 3G speed. Hopefully we will get it in a couple months.
Sprint 4G is usually pulling 4-5 down ? up.
That's weird, they opened a store near me recently.
Pure rumors...Good old Tmobile is not going anywhere!
Fellow Nexus S'ers, please assist me in a decision that needs to be made by tomorrow.
I have AT&T. I want T-Mobile (or do I?).
Thanks
Only you can answer this. Are you happy with your AT&T service? Have you ever had Tmo before, and is it good enough service for you where you live? If so, then Tmobile (IMO) would be the way to go.
Tmobile is cheaper, and (personally) I've never had a dropped call with Tmo - not to mention awesome CS! Been with Tmo for about 8 years, never considered AT&T. Good luck!
Like Bmerz said I would only switch if you don't like ATT. I have had both and can only say that ATT has better overall coverage, but Tmobile's customer service is 10X better than ATT.
Tmobile's coverage in most cities is about the same, but if you travel and rely on cellphone coverage while in rural areas keep ATT.
I'm okay with at&t, but I was gonna switch at the beginning of the year to T-Mobile for the N1, but decided not to. I'm gonna do it.
But I still don't know if i want a contract for a cheaper price. What do you guys think about that? I hate being locked in to contracts.
Again, only you can answer this. If you can afford the upfront cost of the NS ($529), then going without a contract is probably (in the long run) the way to go. But if you're on a budget, then unfortunately doing a contract and getting the phone for less (upfront $199), would be the better solution for you.
Singlespeed said:
Tmobile's coverage in most cities is about the same, but if you travel and rely on cellphone coverage while in rural areas keep ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty accurate statement there....
I had ATT for several years but now have Tmobile (I switched for a Nokia N900 a year ago, then of course got the n1, as well as a myriad of other phones).
Anyways - Tmobile is cheaper $80 vs $90 if you're on contract. $60 vs $90 if you're on even more plus (which I am). EM+ and not having a contract is awesome... just in case some other carrier peaks my interest, I can switch easily. Tmobile has HSPA+ right now, at&t doesn't. At&t in my area doesn't have the best speeds.
There is this perception out there that TMO is a low quality carrier, when in reality they're completely fine (and their customer service has a reputation for being top notch). Sure they don't have coverage everywhere, but for HSPA+ and the cost, it's really good.
If you have HSPA+ active in your area, its a no brainer.
I have been with T Mobile (and Voice Stream before it changed the name to T Mobile) for over 13 years. They have been very good to me. I really would not consider switching to any other carrier at this point in time. Their CS is the best in the Business. I personally think they will be getting some really great phones coming up next year. As for right now IMHO I don't believe there is a phone out right now that tops the Nexus S or even rivals it at the moment. I have the N1( which I am in process of selling) the MT4G and a Vibrant. Also going to sell the MT4G(great phone but am not confident messing with it , like roms etc. due to security measures etc) I like the Vibrant the best at the moment as I feel it is easier to install roms etc and recover it if something wild happens. I am eagerly anticipating the Nexus S which I hope to receive tomorrow. I would not switch from T Mobile they go the extra mile for long time loyal customers
I'm on my parent's AT&T family plan, so they pay for my Cell (I had T-Mobile year ago on my own, but disappointed with their Androids so I went to AT&T and joined my parents).
I'm buying the Nexus S full price, so I'll see how it handles EDGE on AT&T first, if it sucks, I'll drive a couple blocks to my T-Mobile store and get the Even More Plus no contract plan for $60 a month and transfer my number over.
It's folly to give a general recommendation because it will all depend on where you live. I really like T-Mobile, but that's only because I have very good coverage where I live.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Kubernetes said:
It's folly to give a general recommendation because it will all depend on where you live. I really like T-Mobile, but that's only because I have very good coverage where I live. I couldn't possibly recommend it to you unless you live in the same city.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Kubernetes said:
It's folly to give a general recommendation because it will all depend on where you live. I really like T-Mobile, but that's only because I have very good coverage where I live.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this.
Always choose your carrier first (based on location)
Then choose the best phone that carrier has.
If Att & Tmo are equal coverage then I would go with Tmo since they are a nicer company (price and customer service wise) to their customers.
I am a long time T-Mobile customer and I'll buy it in full price to keep contract intact.
If you can get decent T-Mobile service around your city, especially your house, and you can get T-Mobile 3G, it's a no brainer. T-Mobile's speeds are lightyears ahead of AT&T
I believe you can get T-Mobile and try it out for a certain amount of time to test it out in your area. I think the window is either 30 or 45 days. Ask a T-Mobile rep in your area for more info.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
What has been said here already is true. I've used both AT&T and T-Mobile and while my coverage was a bit better with AT&T, the way they treated me as a customer was downright unacceptable. They deserve to be at the bottom of Consumer Reports.
I've had much better service/coverage with T-Mobile than I did with AT&T. Customer service has been waaaaaaay better with T-Mobile as well. If you aren't stuck with AT&T, my vote is to sign a 2-year contract with T-Mobile.
Is there an EM+ for the Nexus S? I'm strongly weighing the paying the ETF on my AT&T account and grabbing something in the morning. As long as I have unlimited data I'm fine...
dale_cooper said:
Pretty accurate statement there....
I had ATT for several years but now have Tmobile (I switched for a Nokia N900 a year ago, then of course got the n1, as well as a myriad of other phones).
Anyways - Tmobile is cheaper $80 vs $90 if you're on contract. $60 vs $90 if you're on even more plus (which I am). EM+ and not having a contract is awesome... just in case some other carrier peaks my interest, I can switch easily. Tmobile has HSPA+ right now, at&t doesn't. At&t in my area doesn't have the best speeds.
There is this perception out there that TMO is a low quality carrier, when in reality they're completely fine (and their customer service has a reputation for being top notch). Sure they don't have coverage everywhere, but for HSPA+ and the cost, it's really good.
If you have HSPA+ active in your area, its a no brainer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bmstrong said:
Is there an EM+ for the Nexus S? I'm strongly weighing the paying the ETF on my AT&T account and grabbing something in the morning. As long as I have unlimited data I'm fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, you just buy the phone outright (529) and sign up for EM+ at $60 / month.
Only reason to be on at&t is for the iPhone, otherwise T-Mobile will meet your need and for less
Since ATT and TMo are merging, I got to thinking, this SHOULD result in better service (and by service I mean signal strength, 3g availability, etc), shouldn't it?
But, I'm left to wonder. When I had cingular, I loved them, and I loved their service. Didn't ever really have deadspots. Once ATT bought them though, my house became a near dead zone >.<
I would love to think that ATT would use the existing TMo equipment to strengthen their network, but I'm not so sure...
What do you guys think??
Regards
Smith
I think that any time that you reduce competition, especially when the US Government spent a decade and billions of dollars to split this exact corporation up, the customer will always lose.
I honestly don't think that AT$T will do jack **** to give their users a better experience. I think that their "4G" initiative is a perfect example of this - "Hey, I have a great idea. Get this - we'll take our existing 3G network and - now this is brilliant - we'll call it....."4G". Boom. Done. We don't have to spend anything on upgrading our infrastructure." (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/how-at-t-and-t-mobile-conjured-4g-networks-out-of-thin-air/43577)
Now I realize that I'm not being entirely fair to AT$T on this, but they are really not using any new technology in this supposed 4G network. It's all been around for 2+ years. To me, this equates to seriously and fundamentally misleading customers - which they have become seasoned veterans at.
Additionally, their network is severely overloaded. They don't have the trunk bandwidth to properly service all of their towers, even in rural areas. When they acquire T-Mo, they will get a lot of customers to add to this already overloaded system. It is unclear to me how much work they would be willing to put in to this new joint infrastructure. I'd wager that T-Mo will will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary for a fair amount of time if this acquisition gets approved (and I hope it does not).
In short, I think that this will absolutely not improve AT$T's network; I think it will do the opposite at least in the short to mid term. I think AT$T will continue their deceptive and manipulative business practices (forcing grandmothers on data plans because their phone has a screen big enough for them to see the phone numbers, etc) for a very long time. Reducing competition in this arena is a very dangerous game and it will only lead to the government having to spend a ton of our money to split up an evil monopoly. Again.
Just my $.02 though.
Completely agree with the above comment. I believe that the worst post of this is going to be the lack of competition that will result.as most companies already have a relationship of sharing cell towers service improvements will be limited if any at all
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I agree too... that was the experience when they bought cingular.
I love my cappy, but I may re-sign w/ sprint or verizon when my contract is up... ATT kinda, well, sucks d lol
I dont use my cell data really at all, there is only Edge out by where I am and I am just fine with it. Always around a wifi connection and 95% of my data goes over wifi. Over cell i maybe do 100megs a month. Never had a dropped call that was not because i was in the middle of nowhere or my fault in 6+ years.
It is exciting to see what the network will be like once T-mobile towers get changed over. just think of the 4G coverage area.
While i do agree that less competition is a bad thing, the network i already pay for and am getting just fine coverage for my uses is about to get much bigger and much faster. That I am all for.
smithisize said:
Since ATT and TMo are merging, I got to thinking, this SHOULD result in better service (and by service I mean signal strength, 3g availability, etc), shouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For T-Mo users, yes. For AT&T users, not much.
But, I'm left to wonder. When I had cingular, I loved them, and I loved their service. Didn't ever really have deadspots. Once ATT bought them though, my house became a near dead zone >.<
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why ppl keep thinking AT&T bought Cingular?
It is other way around. Cingular bought AT&T and decided to drop Cingular name and use AT&T name instead.
I was with AT&T wireless before Cingular bought it. I have better custom service and can buy new phones as many times per year as I want on Premier account. Ever since Cingular bought AT&T, it's all going down hill. Not only I have to wait 2 years to qualify for discounted phone but also the price on Premier is usually $50 higher than non-Premier.
Same here.. Kinda ready to try new waters. Just bought the Thunderbolt. Want to try it out and see how it is..
BeowulfShaeffer said:
So, in short, "Cingular" didn't buy AT&T, nor did AT&T buy Cingular. SBC owned Cingular, bought AT&T, merged the relevant operations, and renamed their business. What is now called AT&T is really the former Southwestern Bell "baby bell", all grown up and having "eaten" its parent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The history is too long for most to remember. Cingular (often referred to as Orange) first purchased AT&T wireless division (often referred to as Blue) and AT&T wireless name in 2004. SBC purchased rest of the AT&T in 2005. Google it. SBC is an evil corporation that everybody hates. Changing the name to AT&T is one way to try improve its image. It worked as most today has no clue who is AT&T really.
What a dramatic history
Anyway, I agreefatbas202. AT&T really should invest to improve its network. Both coverage and data speed. Also stop blocking updates.
Backbone and Cell towers will now be shared, so better service for users, but the spectrum used will be intersting sonce not all phones are quad band for all their capabilites.
TMO users wil get the biggest boost.
Now about the user a few posts earlier complaining about ATT 4G.
TMO did it first and has a slower network. ATT was the last of the major carriers to call the small upgrade to their current tech 4G.
ATT users will get a possible boost since they can use more towers in their areas and this also depends on phone capabilities.
Everyone wins in this merger even when you look at price points and devices and plans. The monopoly point of view is ok, but with two other major carriers and multiple minor ones that argument is a smoke screen.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
it will be about a year before the deal is even approved by the government. so it will be almost 2 years before anyone sees changes.
so calm down for now...
smithisize said:
Since ATT and TMo are merging, I got to thinking, this SHOULD result in better service (and by service I mean signal strength, 3g availability, etc), shouldn't it?
But, I'm left to wonder. When I had cingular, I loved them, and I loved their service. Didn't ever really have deadspots. Once ATT bought them though, my house became a near dead zone >.<
I would love to think that ATT would use the existing TMo equipment to strengthen their network, but I'm not so sure...
What do you guys think??
Regards
Smith
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interestingly enough, AT&T held a majority of stakes in Cingular and Bell South (SBC) held the minority. Once AT&T and Bell South merged into a new company they dropped the Cingular brand and started marketing their wireless service under the "AT&T Wireless" brand name.
So when you loved Cingular, you were really loving AT&T/Bell South.
As for what is going to happen with the TMo network when AT&T sucks them up... who knows. However, if the deal does go through, I don't think they will dismantle the TMo 4G network, since AT&T needs it.
AT&T gets accelerated 4G, and T-Mobile gets expanded coverage.
Theoretically.
Sent from my Captivate
Without competition AT&T is going to have even more ridiculous policies. That's what I'm most worried about.
T-Mobile was putting a brake on accelerating prices and also gave consumers more options like contract free pricing. I'm sure as heck that AT&T doesn't care about continuing that....
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
Pros: Wider coverage, better reception
Cons: monopoly, less choice for consumers and more control to AT&T (damn)
+1 AT&T could adopt a ridiculous pricing.
______________________
Samsung Captivate
ROM: designgear's Cognition v4.2.2
Kernel: eXistZ's KB1 #7
Wow, I've learned a lot in this thread haha never knew all of the history between cingulair and att!
Also, I thought ATT users would benefit most... all my friends with TMO have much better signal strength everywhere, higher speeds too lol so I'm surprised (though ATT's network is much larger and so it makes sense) that you are predicting the opposite.
But yeah, hopefully this will result in price drops... But w/o competition, it may result in price jacking >.<
TBH: Sprint and Verizon look better every day... particularly verizon, I don't like most of sprints phones. Idk though lol I've been with ATT so long I'm afraid to change! xD
Let us hope so. AT&T is pretty sketchy where I live. Plus, I have a few friends on TMO so it would be nice to get unlimited calling to them through unlimited mobile to mobile
I am currently with t-mobile and looking to change carriers now that's the merger is it true. I am split between the sprint EVO 4g and the verizon samsung droid charge... They both have great coverage and both work on 4g with gingerbread, I am looking for peoples opinions on them... Root capabilities, functions, etc...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Evo 4G owner for almost a year. Evo development and support forum is "Ginormuous". However, the phone is over a year old, so there are more attractive/powerful devices in the market.
Sprint unlimited data/phone calls… nuff said! Look outside the sprint store for sprint phones. In my area, Radio Shack is selling brand new evo4g's for $50 with a new contract. Sprint is also throwing in $125 credit for switching carriers. I also get a 23% employee discount that sprint gives out to several business and larger corporations. Hope this help.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
That helps a lot!
I've seen that Sprint has better coverage than Verizon and they still have unlimited data, unlike any of the other carriers!
Hopefully I can get a discount, I work for a small Engineering firm, but my wife works for a large local credit union. I tried her email on their discount check website and it said that nothing was available, but I bet I can talk one of the sales associates into saying I work somewhere.
Thanks for the tip on shopping outside the sprint stores... I would have never thought to visit Radio Shack.
Now to try to get out of my T-mobile contract w/o paying ridiculous breaking contract fees! Any tips?
IMO Verizon has better coverage at the moment. Their LTE download speeds are unmatched in the US from my understanding. However, I'm more than satisfied with sprint's 4/3 G coverage where I live. Sprint I'm hearing will soon offer LTE coverage but when, is anysones guess. Also check the 4g coverage in your area for sprint. There are several large markets that don't have sprint's 4g.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Why leave T-Mobile if you're happy with their service?
You can get a Sensation with a 2-year contract and AT&T has to wait until your contract ends before trying to screw you.
If you are in Kansas City......Sprint is a no brainer.
I'm happy with T-mobile's services... their coverage is decent in my area, there are a few places I go throughout my city that I only get Edge coverage. Everywhere I travel I don't get service though... my moms house north of the city get's very faint Edge service, my wife's mom's town (1.5 hours away) is roaming on AT&T. My grandparents in Ohio, I have to shut my phone off as there isn't even roaming available. My relatives in Colorado, there's no service at all either.
We are starting to travel more and I would like to get decent coverage other than along the interstate.
We shall see how all this pans out. Does anyone know when the merger will take affect and towers will be shared? AT&T customers will get the added benefit of using T-mobile towers, but will T-mobile customers be allowed to use AT&T towers? Or will they restrict it and leave us with current service until we renew contracts over the next couple of years and try to get us to sign with AT&T to get the benefit of using both sets of towers?
I'm not a big fan of the merger... nor of T-mobile's laziness in sending out OS updates for phones. I like staying mostly stock on my phone except for the kernel and the ability to backup/restore. My experience with T-mobile has been good up until the last year when we've had to return 4 defective phones and realize coverage sucks!
By all means, please keep pointing out reasons I should stay with T-mobile! I would love to have someone talk me back into staying!
CCallahan said:
If you are in Kansas City......Sprint is a no brainer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've heard from a few people... thanks for the input (even though you're a (g)ayhawk )
Sprint has a 30 no questions asked return policy
Verizon has a 14 day no questions policy.
I recently switched from Sprint EVO to a Verizon Charge.
I bought the EVO last year for the 4G but My personal experience has been less than stellar (Houston) Your mileage may vary.
Sense 3.0 is superior to Touchwiz but adw launchers help with that.
Stock battery lasted 5 hours on EVO on Charge it last 8 hours
Charge screen is Super AMOLED which is currently the height of android screen tech. EVO 3D has the 3D screen.
Charge has physical buttons. EVO has soft touch buttons
Charge has funny shape
Its all a matter of preference.
Try out both make sure call and data quality is acceptable in your home and places of work and play