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I've been a T-Mobile customer for over 13 years and I've been loving my Nexus One since the day it was released (before the N1, I had been a G1 lover since the day it was released, too), but today I went to VZW and ordered myself the Incredible.
The only reason is because tmo's network in my area is crap. Zero 3G, rarely EDGE, mainly GPRS. And that's when I actually have service at all.
I feel like I am sacrificing as far as the device itself, but it's an overall win sure to actually being able to use the device the way it was intended.
I'd like to hear from people who have swapped from the N1 (any network) to the Incredible and get their thoughts. Am I going to miss my N1? Will I regret my decision?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App - Typos, thanks to Swype.
good for you, welcome to the incredible family
I love the Incredible I must say. My gripes would the battery life which is kind of expected on a device like this and root. I was spoiled when I first got the Nexus 1 because it was already rooted before it even came out thanks to Modaco. I tend to get all the latest devices when they come out and will continue. I plan to bet the Evo from Sprint and retire my Incredible only because I have become use to bigger screen. All in all the incredible is an excellent device a side from what u want to use it for i.e Rooting etc..
I do not think you are giving up anything at all for the switch. If your area gives you 3G, Good Reception and Good download speeds on the Verizon network then you have made more than a 400% gain over the N1 in terms of actual usability. You will miss some root features, some controls that you had but in a short time you will have those same features again once its rooted.
The optical track ball needs some tweaking for sure. The battery life I feel will come in a software update that hopefully will resolve the issue of incorrect full charge readings. In the mean time follow some of the little tips and tweaks people posted and purchase an inexpensive $14.99 ebay HTC Tilt2 1500mAH battery for a spare and you are set.
If Sprint has good coverage in your area then you might want to look at that as well. The EVO 4G is a very good option as well if you like a bigger phone. It's not for everyone due to the size but if you don't mind it ( go to Tmobile and hold the HD2 ) then it would be a very good alternative as well.
Good luck.
you're not alone. I made the switch to VZW too. I had average 3g with T-Mo everywhere in my city, except at my work where I had absolutely no signal at all, and having no signal at all 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, is just not gonna fly with me. Add to that the fact that we get 15% off service through my work with Verizon and switching was a no brainer. I couldn't be happier either. I've yet to drop out of 3g coverage, my signal strength is always in the -75 to -85 range, and I have a pretty constant speed of 1200-1500kbps which is better than I was getting with T-Mo around here. Of course I miss my N1, and it's gonna be rough when that 2.2 update comes out, but being able to use my Incredible the way it was intended is, well...incredible
I made the switch as well. We've been promised 3G out here for the past two years and still nothing. We even have a fairly large Tmobile Call Center and still nothing. Of course every other carrier has had 3G here for as long as I can remember. I got tired of Tmobile piddling around and I must say having 3G everywhere I got is amazing.
I left Tmo for the same reasons the 3G service sucked and they were working hard on increasing the 3G service to 4G, but not doing much of anything to increase the areas that were on Edge unless is was a large city.
Too bad, their prices were good, I don't think you will regret the change, I have a week verizon signal where I live compared to the Tmo signal I use to have, but I have 3G with Verizon and I did not with Tmo.
I was up in Manchester, Ca. KOA browsing the internet on my Incredible while no one else had cell service, Manchester in in the middle of nowhere, thats Verizon good service.
after being fed up with Tmobile's horrid coverage, I too switched. I was a G1 early adopter, and recently bought a Nexus. With the Nexus 3g issues coupled with the already crap coverage, and add to the mix that my employer is set up to get a 20% discount on monthly fee's and I am playing the same as I was with Tmo, it was a no-brainer!
Now if only Sense could be removed....CityID removed....and make the battery last I would be fully happy. LOL
gospeed.racer said:
after being fed up with Tmobile's horrid coverage, I too switched. I was a G1 early adopter, and recently bought a Nexus. With the Nexus 3g issues coupled with the already crap coverage, and add to the mix that my employer is set up to get a 20% discount on monthly fee's and I am playing the same as I was with Tmo, it was a no-brainer!
Now if only Sense could be removed....CityID removed....and make the battery last I would be fully happy. LOL
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you can kind of get rid of sense if you download another home app.
The N1 is using the G1's multitouch sensor. The incredible is using a far superior multitouch sensor. The buttons on the incredible are better too. You did the right thing. The only cool feature the N1 really had was the noise cancellation, but you can get that from a decent bluetooth headset.
Thanks for the info folks. I ordered my Incredible Friday (5/14) and with all the latest news about the back orders, it looks like I'll be waiting a while before I can make the switch...
My biggest concern is the SenseUI. I just haven't liked it in the past. It seems like functionality and flow both drop for me (having used plain vanilla Android since day 1 on the G1) when using Sense.
I'm hoping for root access on the Incredible so that I can, if nothing else, get rid of Sense... It's not horrible (or I wouldn't have gone with the Incredible), but I just prefer vanilla.
Anyway, thanks for your info on switching from the N1 to the Incredible. I'm looking forward to actually being able to use my glorious Android device the way it was intended, with the help of "the network".
You can always download a home replacement like zeam or helix and then use a task manager to shut off sense
hi, hope i not hijack the forum. lot of t-mob to vzw. any from att to vzw?
I was on Tmo for eight years and also used a G1 since it was released. Tmo coverage is weak in KY and 3G is only in part of main city near where I live. I like the Inc a lot, but still wish it had a physical KB for game emulators and Flash game content. Had a Droid, but the keyboard was weak and did not like the microsd behind the battery.
Anyways, I went from about 5% 3G, 80% 2g, 10% Edge and 5% no signal, to 95% 3G and 5% 1X. I have yet to find a place with no signal, which was not hard at all to find with Tmo.
BTW, Sprint coverage is not much better than Tmo, so if coverage is a factor, same boat. Sprint only uses Verizon towers for calls and 2G level data. No 1X or 3G for non-Verizon customer tower users.
MadM3rlin said:
The N1 is using the G1's multitouch sensor. The incredible is using a far superior multitouch sensor. The buttons on the incredible are better too. You did the right thing. The only cool feature the N1 really had was the noise cancellation, but you can get that from a decent bluetooth headset.
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Incred also has a few other advantages over the N1:
1. Microsd is hot swappable and not stuck behind the battery
2. Over three times the app storage space and no need to mess with apps2sd for a long time. Also, since the Inc uses the 512mb rom only for the OS and stock apps, no worries about losing app space due to rom upgrades.
3. 6.6gb free for media- not counting microsd space. The Inc would have had more built in storage space, but this is why there is 748mb free for third party apps- the Inc was allocated 748mb of flash for apps.
4. FM radio
I'm going from a first-day G1 adopter to Incredible. I've been a GSM user for 9 years (Voicestream to Cingular to T-Mobile), but T-Mobile has been kind of sucky. I live in the NY metro area and even here the 3G service is patchy, and even if I get 3G, it's quite slow. I'm not happy that I won't be able to use my phone internationally, but it's something that I realised was a smaller requirement as compared to the 95% of the time I spend in the US.
I held off on upgrading to the N1 mostly because I was bound by a two-year T-Mobile contract and the full price for N1 was too much to digest. I complained to T-Mobile about this, and they made me eligible for a fully subsidised price at their end, but Google refused to budge. Also, Verizon offers a 1 year contract which nobody else does, so that's a plus.
I still don't have the Incredible in my hands, so I don't know how I'll feel with Sense, but looking at the videos, I think the apps look pretty nice. It's only the home screen that I might need to replace. I really hope that Incredible gets rooted soon.
I've recently been having problems with some of my text messages not making it to my phone. Some get through, some don't. I spent nearly 40 minutes the other day with "tech support" (30 of them spent talking to an Android 'specialist'). In the end, I was told that they didn't know why some were getting through and some weren't. They pointed the finger at my friends who are texting saying the problem might be on their end (my gf is on T-Mo as well and we skyped so she could show me the 'sent successful' msgs on her BB 9700). The real kicker was when the specialist told me that I should delete my texts every day because "Android devices can't really handle holding more than 40-50 msgs at a time before it causes problems for the handset and the software." SMH.
Anyway, I've been playing around with a friend's Evo lately and I really like it. It's got me thinking of a possible switch to Sprint if this text issue keeps popping up and T-Mo keeps giving me BS answers.
I guess I just want to ask:
1. Any recent converts from T-Mo? How do you like Sprint so far?
2. Any experience issues similar to the one I'm having?
3. Any issues at all with the Evo or service in the LA area?
My friend said he's been with Sprint for about 10 years now, and I asked how customer service was. He said "I don't know, I've never really needed to talk to them." Seemed like a good sign to me.
Thanks XDA Evo heads!
I was on tmo before I switched to Sprint when I started working for them. Honestly on not working at sprint anymore and I'm still on it and got my fiance on it and we have a joint account. Sprint is amazing and I love it and I would never look back. Plus you could probably get a discount from where you work which helps. Customer service isn't bad if you have to call them. I've called them and if they can't help tu they usually offer some kinda something to take away the blow.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i was in the same boat... i forced tmo to let me out of my contract b,c of similar problems, including weak signal strength and dropped calls....
I am having better signal strength and less dropped calls/ unreceived messages but not as good as I was expecting...
The biggest difference I noticed is that Tmobile customer support is miles beyond Sprints.
Sprint has the worst customer service that I have seen in a while.
The reps are dumb, disrespectful, dumb, don't care....dumb....
Not exactly what you asked for but I switched from AT&T to Sprint about 2 months ago for the Evo. I love the Evo..... but Sprint sucks ass. At least here in Central Florida, Sprint is the worst service you can have (AT&T is the best) I sometimes get calls and text 3 or 4 days late. I'm in the process of deciding if my Evo is good enough to stick it out or if switching back to AT&T is worth paying the higher prices.
Give it a try. You can cancel within 30 days for a full refund of both equipment and service costs. There is no risk whatsoever.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I sent my wife a few texts 2 weeks ago that never made it.
I on the other hand have had no problems worth sprint's service.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
daewond3r said:
I've recently been having problems with some of my text messages not making it to my phone. Some get through, some don't. I spent nearly 40 minutes the other day with "tech support" (30 of them spent talking to an Android 'specialist'). In the end, I was told that they didn't know why some were getting through and some weren't. They pointed the finger at my friends who are texting saying the problem might be on their end (my gf is on T-Mo as well and we skyped so she could show me the 'sent successful' msgs on her BB 9700). The real kicker was when the specialist told me that I should delete my texts every day because "Android devices can't really handle holding more than 40-50 msgs at a time before it causes problems for the handset and the software." SMH.
Anyway, I've been playing around with a friend's Evo lately and I really like it. It's got me thinking of a possible switch to Sprint if this text issue keeps popping up and T-Mo keeps giving me BS answers.
I guess I just want to ask:
1. Any recent converts from T-Mo? How do you like Sprint so far?
2. Any experience issues similar to the one I'm having?
3. Any issues at all with the Evo or service in the LA area?
My friend said he's been with Sprint for about 10 years now, and I asked how customer service was. He said "I don't know, I've never really needed to talk to them." Seemed like a good sign to me.
Thanks XDA Evo heads!
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Best move I have made. Tmo did good bringing android but everyone else is blowing them away with phones and plans.
Sent from HTC Evo with CM6
I recall an issue similar to this on the hero.
Yes its true on some of the older Android OS there was some issues with alot of txt msgs my hero practically shut down when i hit 2000 txt msgs it wouldnt load them or receive any txt msgs.
as I recall just randomly not receiving them tho etc was resolved with a hard reset of the device.
jasonleb1 said:
Not exactly what you asked for but I switched from AT&T to Sprint about 2 months ago for the Evo. I love the Evo..... but Sprint sucks ass. At least here in Central Florida, Sprint is the worst service you can have (AT&T is the best) I sometimes get calls and text 3 or 4 days late. I'm in the process of deciding if my Evo is good enough to stick it out or if switching back to AT&T is worth paying the higher prices.
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Weird, I switched from ATT and I had the problems u are describing, however the problems were w ATT, maybe it was the iPhone but service sucked, dropped calls, slow 3G speeds, customer service wqs bad, etc. I'm in central FL btw. As far as Tmo I got to admit they got pretty good customer service, can't really complain about sprints either. Service has been great as well, no dropped calls in 2+ months and great 3G/4G speeds. If pricing is a factor, Sprint has it covered. Check coverage in your area and see if you got good coverage, other than that o don't see why you couldn't switch and be happy w Sprint.
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sdrewh said:
Best move I have made. Tmo did good bringing android but everyone else is blowing them away with phones and plans.
Sent from HTC Evo with CM6
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I agree here. However, what an above poster said. T-mo has better customer support. I was with T-mo for almost 10 years and recently switched over when the EVO came out because T-mo couldn't tell me when their next Android Device was coming out, and the only rumors were of the GPS phone which looked attrocious. The Nexus was available, but only for new plan holders and the price was rediculous, not to mention it was already getting long in the tooth. I love the EVO, and 6Mbps down on my 4G is great (when I get a strong 4G signal). I am not impressed with 3g as I never seem to get over 600kbps and I do not like the fact that I can't use Data and Phone at the same time on just 3g.
Otherwise, Sprint's plan is better despite the infamous "$10" fee, unless you primarily make phone calls to land lines. I got a bonus 450 min. on top of the 450 min. with the unlimited plan for land line calls and I rarely use 100 min. Otherwise they really are unlimited in the Data side.
I hope this helps in your decision. Good luck.
I've gone through most every cell provider in my state. T-Mobile, ATT, Cingular (basically same thing) Virgin, verizon, Cricket.
Cingular was by far the worst. Tons of missing.txts and dropped calls.
Then went to Tmobile. Loved Tmobile. Not a huge calling area at the time. But still great service.
Then to ATT for the iPhone. Loved iphone. Still didn't like att. Than I came to sprint foe the EVO. and so far its pretty good. Pricing is nice, even with the 10 extra for 4G.
...in 1943, I killed a drifter.
I went from T-Mo to Sprint about two months ago, it was a great move. Better prices, able to do things in the shop. T-Mo forced my hand because they would not let me back into a contract and would not work with me on phones. I was very disappointed with T-Mo and how they handled me, especially because I had been with them for seven years. I have the Evo now.
If you are coming to sprint make sure you look into getting the Everything Plus plans to save some money.
Instead of the regular Everything 450 for 69, you can get Everything with 500mins for 59.
as dissapointed as i'v been with sprint, they do have unlimited mobile to mobile....
Thats pretty epic i suppose
Why does anyone use T-Mo on the first place (outside of Europe, that is)? Their 3G coverage is an absolute joke. It makes AT&T's coverage look fantastic!
Been with Sprint for 11 years, in 3 different states, any issue, that I can count on one hand, have been resolved over the phone.
You have 30 days to try it risk free, what's not to like ?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond!
I think I will try it out for a month and see how it is.
Weird, I switched from ATT and I had the problems u are describing, however the problems were w ATT, maybe it was the iPhone but service sucked, dropped calls, slow 3G speeds, customer service wqs bad, etc. I'm in central FL btw. As far as Tmo I got to admit they got pretty good customer service, can't really complain about sprints either. Service has been great as well, no dropped calls in 2+ months and great 3G/4G speeds. If pricing is a factor, Sprint has it covered. Check coverage in your area and see if you got good coverage, other than that o don't see why you couldn't switch and be happy w Sprint.
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Hmmm. I had an iPhone too (1st Gen and 3Gs) and never once dropped a call, my 3G speeds were always fast and customer service was always great to me (but I always went to the store I never called tech support and the people at my store are really friendly and polite).
Brutal-Force said:
I agree here. However, what an above poster said. T-mo has better customer support. I was with T-mo for almost 10 years and recently switched over when the EVO came out because T-mo couldn't tell me when their next Android Device was coming out, and the only rumors were of the GPS phone which looked attrocious. The Nexus was available, but only for new plan holders and the price was rediculous, not to mention it was already getting long in the tooth. I love the EVO, and 6Mbps down on my 4G is great (when I get a strong 4G signal). I am not impressed with 3g as I never seem to get over 600kbps and I do not like the fact that I can't use Data and Phone at the same time on just 3g.
Otherwise, Sprint's plan is better despite the infamous "$10" fee, unless you primarily make phone calls to land lines. I got a bonus 450 min. on top of the 450 min. with the unlimited plan for land line calls and I rarely use 100 min. Otherwise they really are unlimited in the Data side.
I hope this helps in your decision. Good luck.
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i agree that the 3g sucks and that you cant use it at the same time but with the 4g you can surf and talk same time
Tmobile has the worst reception ever though.
Greetings to all from a new HD2 owner. After retiring my Fuze some time ago and going with a Tilt2, I've now retired THAT puppy and decided to go with this lovely new T-Mobile HD2. Now I've got a problem.
I recently had to move to a new home. My old home had awesome coverage for every carrier in the Southeastern US. My new one...not so much. AT&T coverage sucks so badly my Tilt2 is almost unusable. T-Mobile coverage is only marginally better. I've waited the requisite 40 days to unlock my HD2 with T-Mobile so now I can use either carrier in my HD2.
Since the office pays for my phone & accessories, I sprung for AT&T's 3G Microcell. It's a decent device and works great with my Tilt2. I know T-Mobile's 3G uses a different band than AT&T's 3G, but I hoped the Microcell would still help the HD2. As many of you might guess, I was wrong; it apparently works ONLY with the AT&T 3G bands. T-Mobile HD2 is out of luck and T-Mobile doesn't offer a microcell. I had hoped the HD2 might have superior reception by virtue of better hardware but that also doesn't appear to be the case.
So now what? My Tilt2 is great to use in the house with the Microcell but calls don't transfer in or out worth a darn. I have to be well out of my neighborhood before I get a decent AT&T signal. T-Mobile works good about 25% of the time, marginal around 50% of the time, and worthless the remaining 25% of the time. The HD2 is an incredibly awesome phone and I really don't want to go back to my Tilt2. And I don't want to get a land line if I can help it because it'll get very little usage.
What about VoIP clients using my home WiFi? Anybody got any good suggestions? It can't be anything expensive or I'd just pay to get a land line instead.
Last item: my office has me on a sweet unlimited/unlimited/unlimited plan with AT&T that doesn't cost me a dime. I'd really like to stick with AT&T as my carrier if I can, but the poor coverage at my home and lack of Microcell with the HD2 is a serious problem. T-Mobile coverage throughout Atlanta is OK but I've noted it's nowhere near as good as AT&T. I could deal with WiFi VoIP if there was a cost effective option.
PLEASE HELP!
If youve ever used Skype before it works as a great VOIP option on the Hd2.
Ive never had a problem with the Skype app on my Hd2. People hear me clearly, you can even use it on 3g in a pinch, and you can sign up for a Skype unlimited plan for $3/mo. The only thing is that Skype stopped having the application download on their website due to their Verizon android deal but you can easily google "Skype Windows Mobile Cab" and you will find it like I did.
I'd look for a telestra australian hd2 to purchase. It works on at+t 3g, and would fix both your problems.
I am planing to switch carriers from Sprint to At&T or Verizon. I have three lines, big data user (~14-17Gb). I currently have unlimited data with sprint, but their data coverage is limited for me. I preordered the N6SP and wanted a know the communities opinion between the two. I know that my data will be limited and will be mindful.
goofydragon1 said:
I am planing to switch carriers from Sprint to At&T or Verizon. I have three lines, big data user (~14-17Gb). I currently have unlimited data with sprint, but their data coverage is limited for me. I preordered the N6SP and wanted a know the communities opinion between the two. I know that my data will be limited and will be mindful.
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Go with cricket
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
I guess it depends on the coverage each one provides in your area. If they're both reliable, AT&T plans seem a bit more $ friendly for multiple device users. Your call.
T-Mobile. Keep the unlimited data and get a better signal. I think they are still offering 14 day test drives so you and your family can check out out and see how it works in your area and areas you frequent. I moved from Verizon years ago and never looked back.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
SymbioticGenius said:
T-Mobile. Keep the unlimited data and get a better signal. I think they are still offering 14 day test drives so you and your family can check out out and see how it works in your area and areas you frequent. I moved from Verizon years ago and never looked back.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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hard to believe that tmobile gets better signal...
Verizon has the best coverage, but is the most expensive. Also look into Google's Project Fi. It uses T-Mobile and Sprint networks as well as Wi-Fi calling and you only pay for the data you use ($10/GB).
Sent from my LG-V410 using Tapatalk
In my experience I'll rank them as follows:
Verizon (best building penetration)
T-Mobile (best combination of coverage and speed)
ATT (slightly better coverage, speed sucks)
..... Anything else prepaid/whatever
Sprint (nothing good to say) *silence*
Most recently in the top floor of my house a visitor had no signal with sprint at all whereas I was fine on T-Mobile.
In my father's office in Manhattan he has no signal from T-Mobile on the first 4 floors but fine anywhere above, but Verizon works in the basement.
In my mother's office (in the middle of a brick college building) she had no signal on T-Mobile only in her office, but as soon as she stepped out of her office anywhere else in the building she's fine. Verizon works fine in her office.
However in a recent hospital visit neither of my parents phones worked on Verizon but I was fine on T-Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I've had all of them except for Sprint. Verizon will find a way to screw you over and charge you more for nothing. AT&T is just expensive for marginal amounts of data. T-Mobile isn't the best but I have 2 lines with unlimited everything and pay $100 a month so for me that's the best compromise between everything. I get up to 80mb/s DL where I live which is better than At&t or VZW surprisingly. On the other hand their coverage in the middle of nowhere is nonexistent whereas the other two usually have something. It just depends on what your need and how the coverage is where you live.
Pilz said:
I've had all of them except for Sprint. Verizon will find a way to screw you over and charge you more for nothing. AT&T is just expensive for marginal amounts of data. T-Mobile isn't the best but I have 2 lines with unlimited everything and pay $100 a month so for me that's the best compromise between everything. I get up to 80mb/s DL where I live which is better than At&t or VZW surprisingly. On the other hand their coverage in the middle of nowhere is nonexistent whereas the other two usually have something. It just depends on what your need and how the coverage is where you live.
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I agree.
T-Mobile is the best compromise.
Not saying they have the fastest network or signal everywhere, but their prices are pretty good and if you're in a pretty popular area - signal is actually pretty good too.
Check your coverage map?
A few years ago, I would NEVER have recommended At&t and I was about to switch to Verizon (as soon as my contract was up).....Then, in my area, At&t installed several new LTE towers and I have better reception than any of my Verizon friends. Even when camping in the middle of nowhere, I can get signal every now and again where they don't.
I also like the fact you can be on a call and use data at the same time...... Don't do it much, but sometimes it comes in handy. For example, my wife calls and asks "what time is the show tonight"? I can pull the phone away from my ear, pull up the website and find out and let her know. Verizon may have changed this in the past few years, but you couldn't do this with them last I knew? You would have had to say "I'll check and call/text you back".
But it basically comes down to checking your coverage map.... I manage a friends Verizon account that is very similar to my At&t account, and the prices are all about the same. At&t did recently have a "double your data for $0 extra" promotion that I got in on and I've seen Verizon run these from time to time as well.
So.....As I've said a few times, it just comes down to coverage.
I have Verizon now and had att at one point , they were both about the same price for me. att had better coverage at certain spots and same was true for Verizon. My verizon LTE service has been great in central NJ and i cant speak for att but a friend of mine has att and says the LTE is good. Now i can say i would stay away from sprint i have a few friends who have it and when we are all together they are always not able to use there phones cause there service is at one bar to nothing.
I think you cant go wrong with either ATT or Verizon they both have one of the best networks in the us in my experience. main thing to note is ATT isnt as locked down as verizon is. Verizon is not as easy to bring a unlocked phone into there network IE moto x pure, and nexus 6 (before they sold it) and the new 6P. they have gotten better but still a lot harder then it needs to be
just my 2 cents
I moved off AT&T to try Project Fi. Was perfectly happy with AT&T, but Fi was cheaper and seemed very interesting. Had a huge problem with their Hangouts calling feature - it kept my N6 from being able to make/receive calls. If I uninstalled Hangouts from all my devices/computers, including the N6, the phone would work fine. After 2 weeks of no Hangouts, I was about ready to put a nail into my head. So, I switched to Verizon.
Now, I have used Verizon on my work phone for years. The coverage they have helps ensure I can use the phone while on business travel. That's great for businesses, but honestly doesn't mean much for me when I'm at home and all the carriers give adequate service. Now that I think about the extra $ the Verizon plan costs me, the fact that I have to subscribe to visual voicemail for an extra $3 a month where I didn't have to before, and that it took an act of congress for them to issue me a SIM card for a "NON-VZW Device"... I'm kind of wondering why I just didn't go back to AT&T. Or even T-mobile. ... well, anyone but Sprint.
Yeah it was an act of congress to get my nano sim activated too , now they do offer a free version of the visual VM that im using now. I looked into project Fi but the cost wouldn't be much cheaper i use way too much data lol
If someone actually looked at the prices of the new plans you would see that ATT and Verizon are about the same and in some cases V$ is even cheaper...not by a lot....This is for a single phone..but I dont think its much different with multiples. Go with whoever has the best coverage..but even then its probably a wash at this point too.
Any Project Fi user? How is it working out?
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
It's dope.
Yup. Very happy.
Totally satisfied!
It's awesome!
More than anything I'm happy with the bill. I think mine was $43.xx last month, I'm signed up for 5GB at $70 total. Spent the last year on AT&T Post Paid with a MiFi also on the account at 115ish a month for 15GB. Prior to that I was on AT&T Straight Talk for years.
To be honest, the service is so-so. T-Mobile is T-Mobile, the building penetration sucks, its as mediocre as it was when I got off it in 2011. Sprint does provide better building penetration but the service is slower. I'm often frustrated with Fi's lack of attempt at switching from T-Mo to Sprint or vice-versa. I have Fi-Spy installed and can easily plug in the dialer codes to switch, but why it doesn't do this more proactively is beyond me. Even with the auto switch dialer coder plugged in and a reboot, it rarely switches quickly once a drop in signal is experienced with the carrier in use. The nerd in me thinks its cool to plug in the dialer codes, the normal me is beginning to find it inconvenient. Speeds aren't spectacular, I think that's possibly a function of being in South Louisiana. The carriers invest here last most likely because of the overall poverty of the populous and the gamble that the they can just wait till the network is destroyed by a hurricane and rebuild it with insurance money.
My gut feeling is I'll wait to see if the 6.0.1 release (whenever I finally get it) will make T-Mo work better with the possibility of Band 12. If its not better soon I'll probably switch back to AT&T Straight Talk. AT&T just works everywhere I have been in the US for the last 4 or 5 years. I never have the negative experience I hear people complain about on big blue. The Straight Talk option makes the cost negligible. Although the good ole days of Straight Talk "discount" service cards being sold online for 30ish dollars seems to be gone.
Cellular service is a commodity, while I impress myself with the nerd factor of an aggregated cellular carrier like Google Fi, I just lack the patience to endure the carriers its running on. Struggling with bad or slow service is no longer acceptable with the flexibility of porting numbers to other carriers. $40ish dollars is cheap, but for 50 I could be on Straight Talk on AT&T and not worry about any of the semantics.
...but I did like the Lego kit Google sent me!
aygriffith said:
More than anything I'm happy with the bill. I think mine was $43.xx last month, I'm signed up for 5GB at $70 total. Spent the last year on AT&T Post Paid with a MiFi also on the account at 115ish a month for 15GB. Prior to that I was on AT&T Straight Talk for years.
To be honest, the service is so-so. T-Mobile is T-Mobile, the building penetration sucks, its as mediocre as it was when I got off it in 2011. Sprint does provide better building penetration but the service is slower. I'm often frustrated with Fi's lack of attempt at switching from T-Mo to Sprint or vice-versa. I have Fi-Spy installed and can easily plug in the dialer codes to switch, but why it doesn't do this more proactively is beyond me. Even with the auto switch dialer coder plugged in and a reboot, it rarely switches quickly once a drop in signal is experienced with the carrier in use. The nerd in me thinks its cool to plug in the dialer codes, the normal me is beginning to find it inconvenient. Speeds aren't spectacular, I think that's possibly a function of being in South Louisiana. The carriers invest here last most likely because of the overall poverty of the populous and the gamble that the they can just wait till the network is destroyed by a hurricane and rebuild it with insurance money.
My gut feeling is I'll wait to see if the 6.0.1 release (whenever I finally get it) will make T-Mo work better with the possibility of Band 12. If its not better soon I'll probably switch back to AT&T Straight Talk. AT&T just works everywhere I have been in the US for the last 4 or 5 years. I never have the negative experience I hear people complain about on big blue. The Straight Talk option makes the cost negligible. Although the good ole days of Straight Talk "discount" service cards being sold online for 30ish dollars seems to be gone.
Cellular service is a commodity, while I impress myself with the nerd factor of an aggregated cellular carrier like Google Fi, I just lack the patience to endure the carriers its running on. Struggling with bad or slow service is no longer acceptable with the flexibility of porting numbers to other carriers. $40ish dollars is cheap, but for 50 I could be on Straight Talk on AT&T and not worry about any of the semantics.
...but I did like the Lego kit Google sent me!
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Click to collapse
What about calling/texting over wifi? The initial reason I decided not to go with Project Fi was for the reasons you stated-- didn't love the carriers that support it. But the more I think about it, the more intrigued I am. I just switched from AT&T to Verizon and I am hardly using any cell data. I'm at wifi at home, wifi at work, and many places that I go. Project Fi is becoming more appealing for the ability of being able to call/text pretty much anywhere over wifi and not have to worry so much about how good the cell signal is. Plus the idea of auto connecting to open wifi hotspots and securing the connection over a VPN tunnel sounds pretty cool as well.
On another note, I don't have any first hand experience with Tmobile but 6.0.1 should help a lot with cell service in buildings if they have band 12 in your area. The geek in you should just flash the factory images instead of waiting for the OTA
I'm very satisfied with my experience so far. My only complaint, a small one at best, would be there is no way to prefer WiFi calling over cellular like with Tmobile.
It's been solid for me. Not just at home, but a number of the approved hotspots as well when I'm out. And I like that these connections are VPN'd.
coolcat67 said:
What about calling/texting over wifi?
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Data usage
I was thinking of going to Project Fi myself and got the invite already. However, I check my data status usage and it's about 4gb or more per month. And I am counting only the usage not being over wifi. I understand that Project Fi switch automatically over wifi if available so you won't use Data over the air as much. However, I'm with the family plan with 15GB and Data carry over next month on AT&T network. If I'm by myself, I would switch over to Project Fi in a heart beat but with family member, I can't. Just my 2 cents thought.
Solutions Etcetera said:
It's been solid for me. Not just at home, but a number of the approved hotspots as well when I'm out. And I like that these connections are VPN'd.
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I have the exact opposite experience, I rarely get auto connected to hot-spots and when I do they're total garbage. Not just in Louisiana, but in large metros I've traveled to in since getting the service. I think only one held the VPN tunnel indicated by the key icon for long enough to do anything.
coolcat67 said:
What about calling/texting over wifi? The initial reason I decided not to go with Project Fi was for the reasons you stated-- didn't love the carriers that support it. But the more I think about it, the more intrigued I am. I just switched from AT&T to Verizon and I am hardly using any cell data. I'm at wifi at home, wifi at work, and many places that I go. Project Fi is becoming more appealing for the ability of being able to call/text pretty much anywhere over wifi and not have to worry so much about how good the cell signal is. Plus the idea of auto connecting to open wifi hotspots and securing the connection over a VPN tunnel sounds pretty cool as well.
On another note, I don't have any first hand experience with Tmobile but 6.0.1 should help a lot with cell service in buildings if they have band 12 in your area. The geek in you should just flash the factory images instead of waiting for the OTA
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Click to collapse
What I do love about the service is the ability to use Hangouts on all my devices and in the web browser and text & MMS from it. I think if I went back to Straight Talk I'd probably leave the number with Google Voice which traditionally I've done the opposite and took the number to the carrier and just had a miscellaneous GV number.
I have had problems with call quality over data. Mainly at my house which is AT&T U-Verse, and to top it off Fi does not seem to realize it and will not switch off to cellular when the call quality dissipates. I've literally had to run out my front door into the middle of my street if I'm mid call so it will switch to cellular. Its either this or attempt to fumble the phone and turn off WiFi. My neighbors probably are suspicious of my mid street calls :laugh:. Again, this is a function of AT&T U-verse having 18mb down at my house. Might switch my internet to cable next month to help with the abysmal ISP speeds with U-verse.
Again, don't expect the phone to just start connecting to tons of VPN'ed Google Certified WiFi networks. You'll be disappointed. I was in large metros all up and down the east coast in Nov and again, this may have happened once in each large city. You're going to be looking for the same old Starbucks and misc WiFi networks to make calls if you're really hoping to find WiFi networks in the wild for calling. I have a free Boingo plan through Amex Plat and it helps give availability to more networks than I had access to before. But its not enough that I wouldn't be worried about cell service.
Fingers crossed on 6.0.1... back in the old days I would have downloaded the image the second it was out and flashed it. As I get older and find myself making more excuses for not getting stuff done I rarely want to spend non existent free time diving into roms or any of that. I just want the phone to work and the service to work. Its a long way from chopping up Blackberry OS installers with different features from different Telcos or my first Android phone being a Sprint Touch Pro 2 launching into Android from Windows Mobile. Getting old (or boring) I guess!
Works great here. Except MMS over hangouts looks like garbage. I would love to use hangouts over my other devices with my Project Fi number, but I send to many picture messages. Anyone else have MMS hangouts quality problems?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Ulver said:
Works great here. Except MMS over hangouts looks like garbage. I would love to use hangouts over my other devices with my Project Fi number, but I send to many picture messages. Anyone else have MMS hangouts quality problems?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Are you referencing the picture quality of the photos sent? Does it look bad both in Hangouts and also in the receiver's MMS?
Its decent, but I can see why people leave back to Tmobile. I am on WIFI most of the day and yet I manage to use 1.5-2GB per month, I cant imaging using Fi without WIFI. There is no VoLTE an no proper Band 12 implementation. Support is not that great, most replies are copy/paste BS. The whole service is just not as reliable as Tmobile. I pay about $40 bucks for Fi......Tmobile would have been only $50 but everything works 100%, you get som free music and vid streaming, and data falls back to free Edge.
I am gonna stick for a while longer....They said some updates are coming to service in next few month but I call BS on this. Fi team seems to be lying alot about the service and misrepresents it in their advertisement.
aygriffith said:
Are you referencing the picture quality of the photos sent? Does it look bad both in Hangouts and also in the receiver's MMS?
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For me it looks bad on my end and the receivers end via hangouts. I also tried sending pics via my Z3 and the pics look bad on both my wife's Nexus 6 and my Mom's iPhone.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
kolyan said:
The whole service is just not as reliable as Tmobile.
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Weird... I have been on T-Mobile since the days of my RAZR v300 up until just recently. In fact, I still have it on my Moto X. Nothing about it is as good as Fi has been. Granted it is not for folks that are burning through a lot of data, but I have never gone over a Gig, so it's great for me.
Looking at the two phones side by side right now, the TM phone is on HSPA with 4 asu, and the Fi is LTE with 23 asu.
Solutions Etcetera said:
Weird... I have been on T-Mobile since the days of my RAZR v300 up until just recently. In fact, I still have it on my Moto X. Nothing about it is as good as Fi has been. Granted it is not for folks that are burning through a lot of data, but I have never gone over a Gig, so it's great for me.
Looking at the two phones side by side right now, the TM phone is on HSPA with 4 asu, and the Fi is LTE with 23 asu.
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Click to collapse
I have Tmobile LTE and VoLTE everywhere pretty much and it switches to Sprint for no reason, I even get Sprint 3G in some places due to bugs. On top of it Tmobile band 12 is not implemented correctly so you end up missing calls and there is no VoLTE support at all. I am not even sure if Tmobile carrier aggression is working on Project Fi
I've been having issues on Project Fi since June, including some spotty roaming in Europe where Tmobile got 5 bars of LTE (capped to 128kbps). Then been dealing with carrier auto switching for over a month now....looks like it just started working with latest Fi app and Android 6.0.1. They also know about all the roaming issues and that Fi doesnt like to connect to roaming providers, thats why they seem to include manual switching in Fi app now so people dont end up with dead phones overseas
They are also kind of lying about equal coverage to Tmo and Sprint....its not equal, at least not yet, lying about 120+ countries where wifi-calling is supported....also bs, real list is around 90-95 countries (not a big deal, but they refuse to fix it)
I switched from Tmobile because I though I will get 100% Tmobile coverage + addition of Sprint with seamless switching (been very buggy) I also need that 256kbps roaming speeds since its double of what Tmobile is offering. Lower bill was just a bonus.....dont really care since its like 10-15 bucks difference
kolyan said:
I've been having issues on Project Fi since June
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Dunno what to tell you; have only been on it since 11/16, but so far it has been great on my 6P.
When I read these comments I wonder how many people were already T-Mobile or Sprint customers and used to so-so coverage and speeds already. Compared in AT&T and Verizon, you're getting what you pay for. Just calling a spade a spade as a long time AT&T customer and a really really long ago T-Mobile and Sprint customer.
It's exactly what they said it was, a beta service. If you want a cheap 5GB of LTE data that works everywhere, get a AT&T Straight Talk sim. If you really think you only use a gig and live in a large metro with a good economy (face it, T-Mobile and Sprint upgrade their carrier equipment metros with better economic conditions first) then you'll be in heaven.
Don't really care about the international, I just buy a sim locally whenever I go overseas. But for the price, if it works, it's a nice feature.
Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk