Ok so I’ve done a lot of research. I’ve came down to three guys:
Verizon, Cingular, and T-Mobile. With a little bit here & there they seem a lot similar. So why would you pick one over the other and which would you pick? I’m looking to spend around $40 a month on a basic plan with unlimited weekends.
PS my eye is on the t-mobile $50 600minute, unlimited fridays, nights, and weekends plan.
It depends on where you live, and where you intend to use the phone.
Verizon has much better nationwide coverage, and their standard “America’s Choice” plans let you make calls from anywhere on their network without getting hit with any extra charges.
Cingular’s coverage is pretty good, but some of their plans only cover calls made from your local calling area - making calls from other areas costs extra. On the other hand, they’re the only ones who let you roll over your unused minutes into the next month (up to one year, I believe).
T-Mobile has the least coverage of all (their coverage map looks like it follows the major interstates, and covers the major metropolitan areas, but is pretty sparse outside of those areas), but if you never leave home, it won’t matter to you.
The other thing to check out is whether you get a good signal in your home. I have a neighbor who has T-Mobile, and who says that the service is fine, except that she can’t make calls from inside her own house! As soon as her two-year contract is up, she’s switching to Verizon, which provides a good signal here.
I have T Mobile-switched from Verizon because of price. (Veizon didn’t offer as many plan choices for me.) No noticeable coverage blanks that Verizon had (I’m talking local spots).Never had a signal fade on T Mobile which I did on Verizon.
As above,I’d think if the plan fits and you’re in the coverage area,it should be OK.
If you’ve researched I suppose you’ve already seen the coverage map.
I’ve used both Sprint and now T-Mobile. I’m very happy with T-Mobile; not only has my signal never failed (it hasn’t even decreased - despite wherever I go - according to the gauge) but I’ve found their customer service to be stellar, especially in comparison to Sprint’s.
I’ve only used T-Mobile (I don’t think we get the other two in the UK) so I can’t say which is better. However I CAN say that I really like T-Mobile. I love their choice of price plans and their line rental isn’t too high. My boyfriend has even changed from Vodaphone to T-Mobile. On our price plans that means we can talk to each other for free after 6pm. VERY useful as we’re in a long distance relationship.
I have T-Mobile, and from what I understand about cell phone networks (very little, actually) T-Mobile uses a different type of network that most other US-based carriers. T-Mobile uses GSM, most others use TDMA. Most of Europe uses GSM and their GSM networks are far superior to the USA’s GSM network. That is why my T-Mobile phone worked flawlessly in Europe, but drops calls here at home. I think that is why T-Mobile’s coverage is spottier that other carriers here in the US. I picked T-Mobile because I wanted and international phone, if I were staying in the US, I’d probably pick a different carrier. Like I said, my knowledge of networks isn’t the best, so this info might not be 100% correct, but truthfully I’m not totally thrilled with the T-Mobile coverage. Sprint wasn’t much better around here though, and their Customer Service was the worst ever.
I would try to of determine if any of these companies has a better signal in your area. I my town Verizon is definatelty stronger and the others have more areas where you cannot get a signal. I asked a lot of people about their service to gather opinions about their level of satisfaction.
I’d ditto the comment about T-Mobile vs Sprint Customer Service. One of the main reasons I switched. This paid off recently when they sent me a letter and said that I was spending too much because I wasn’t using all of my minutes and would I like to switch to a cheaper plan.
Also, although I know almost diddly about phones, I think that Boscibo’s comment about GSM may be off the mark. I thought that GSM was only one of the types of phones that T-Mobile offers in the USA, and then you only get that if you’re travelling internationally. Could be wrong, though.
FWIW, if you’re old enough to know these:
T-Mobile = Deutshe Telecomm
Verizon = Southern Bell
Cingular = Cincinnati Bell
Just based on that, I’d probably take my chances with the first two.
This is mistaken. T-Mobile is a GSM only carrier. AT&T and Cingular are both building GSM networks in the US, in fact, they may be merging soon. They sell both GSM and TDMA phones.
Howard Forums is a busy cell phone chat board worth lurking in. The new Consumers Reports has a big story on cell carriers and phones as well. The advice about knowing your requirements given here is excellent.
I have been with T-Mobile for three years and am very pleased. I am told that Verizon is the most highly regarded in Washington state.
Problem Solved.
Verizon has just too confusing a website and fine print to bother with. (They also only give me a skimpy 5% for being a AAA member)
Cingular has a lot of nice plans and I like the rollover. However they lack unlimited nights/weekends AND one-year contracts.
T-Mobile seems like the best right now. And if I do do (hee hee) europe this summer I’m set.
Verison Wireless = Verizon (GTE, Bell Atlantic) & British Telecom Vodaphone
Cingular = SBC Communications (Southwestern Bell) & BellSouth (Southern Bell)
I think I got that right.
Cingular just announced today that they have made an offer to buy AT&T Wireless.