I'm thinking of switching my carrier from Verizon to something else. I have unlimited data with Verizon now so its my main reason to stay (this to shall pass). My main reason to change carriers is for devices. I noticed AT&T and T-Mobile get better phones all the time compared to Verizon's line up. So my main question is this, "Is a carrier switch worth it simply for a better device?" If so is AT&T my best choice or should I still consider T-Mobile?
Please try not to carrier bash in this thread. This is not what its for nor is it my goal. Thanks!
PS - I have an iPhone because it was cheaper to repair than my Thunderbolt at the time... worst mistake I ever made!
I'm sure this will get moved, but in general AT&T is going to have the better coverage.
In general, AT&T will offer better coverage while T-Mobile will offer better pricing. The two also handle data overages differently: AT&T will charge you an extra $15* per GB, while T-Mobile will still let you use your connection but at 2G speeds.
Since both are GSM carriers, you also have the option to outright buy any unlocked GSM compatible phone and have it work with at the very least Voice/Text/2G data. For 3G/4G to work, make sure you get one with AWS bands for T-Mobile or 1900Mhz bands for AT&T. Because of this, I dont think choosing one carrier over a phone is a good idea unless you absolutely need that subsidized price. And in that case, I would say go with AT&T since they tend to get the higher end phones (ex. One X vs One S).
Hope that helps.
*Havent checked in a while, this may not be accurate
talk2nate said:
I'm thinking of switching my carrier from Verizon to something else. I have unlimited data with Verizon now so its my main reason to stay (this to shall pass). My main reason to change carriers is for devices. I noticed AT&T and T-Mobile get better phones all the time compared to Verizon's line up. So my main question is this, "Is a carrier switch worth it simply for a better device?" If so is AT&T my best choice or should I still consider T-Mobile?
Please try not to carrier bash in this thread. This is not what its for nor is it my goal. Thanks!
PS - I have an iPhone because it was cheaper to repair than my Thunderbolt at the time... worst mistake I ever made!
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Your question is subjective - you're going to get opinions from several people who have different priorities than you do and, more importantly in terms of getting a "good" answer, their experiences will be different from what yours would be.
Look at coverage maps in your area and decide which carriers will be available, then make the decision yourself.
There are objective distinctions to be made in the case of AT&T vs. T-Mobile if you were going to buy an unbranded device, but that's not a concern for you.
If you need out of your contract, PM me. I may consider doing an assumption of liability for a line with unlimited data plan. I realize I'd have to outright buy the phones in the future, but Verizon is great in AZ.
Where do you live? Around here (Wichita) T-Mobile only really gives 4g coverage in the city and they didn't used to cover outside at all. But recently they got GRPS in a bunch of rural areas and good voice coverage on the way to my hometown which is NW. Also if they continue refarming the towers they will soon probably get 3g if you have a 1900 UTMS phone now even though it is CDMA. That is what I am doing now and I'm waiting for Wichita to get refarmed.
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I have a Droid 3 I had on Verizon but pretty much left their service just because I couldn't stand the prices.
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Related
I read that T-Mobile users will have to switch out to an AT&T smartphone device (at no cost or so they say) in order to stay on the 3G network because of the frequency difference. With that said it will be the end of our HD2 at least on 3G, even if it's a year out this phone still has over a year left of use in it.
do we need another thread about this buyout?
Not true. Nothing will happen for atleast a year. Plus.......from what I have read...they bought T-Mobile to add the 2 networks together. At&t has run out of room and want to unload some of they're weight onto tmobiles spectrum.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
why would they stop broadcasting on our 3g frequency?
they paid the FCC ridiculously for the right to that frequency and by adding the two different frequencies together and by designing phones with radios to access both frequencies, AT&T be able to compete with Verizon in terms of network coverage speed etc. This merger could be good for us as long as they don't price gouge us.
It doesnt make any sense unless at&t plans to sell the tmobile frequency to another cell company to force customers to switch to at&t phones...I dont see how or why that would ever happen makes much more sense to combine networks to increase speed and coverage and provide better service bc that is what will get and keep customers
If AT&T jacks up rates and tries to play the TMobile customers who went to TMobile in the first place bc Tmobile was the only wireless competition who went after Verizon and AT&T by offering better prices then AT&T can kiss its TMobile customers goodbye. I hate this merger from a consumer perspective but if they dont get greedy it might be ok...I dunno lack of competition is almost always bad for consumers
TopOfNewYork said:
why would they stop broadcasting on our 3g frequency?
they paid the FCC ridiculously for the right to that frequency and by adding the two different frequencies together and by designing phones with radios to access both frequencies, AT&T be able to compete with Verizon in terms of network coverage speed etc. This merger could be good for us as long as they don't price gouge us.
It doesnt make any sense unless at&t plans to sell the tmobile frequency to another cell company to force customers to switch to at&t phones...I dont see how or why that would ever happen makes much more sense to combine networks to increase speed and coverage and provide better service bc that is what will get and keep customers
If AT&T jacks up rates and tries to play the TMobile customers who went to TMobile in the first place bc Tmobile was the only wireless competition who went after Verizon and AT&T by offering better prices then AT&T can kiss its TMobile customers goodbye. I hate this merger from a consumer perspective but if they dont get greedy it might be ok...I dunno lack of competition is almost always bad for consumers
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AT&T has announced it is NOT going to us T-Mo's frequencies. They are going to upgrade the T-Mo towers to their 4G LTE tech, rendering our 3G phones useless. This is supposed to take a year or two though.
so whoever has the tmobiles "4G" aka HSPA+ devices, will be able to use that "4G LTE" network that they gonna add which should make G2 MT4G capable of the real 4G speeds?
No HSPA + uses GSM crap and whatnot whilst LTE is like next gen GSM. So no, if you have an HSPA+ phone it won't work on LTE.
Kailkti said:
No HSPA + uses GSM crap and whatnot whilst LTE is like next gen GSM. So no, if you have an HSPA+ phone it won't work on LTE.
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well that blows.. guess ill have to wait to see waht they come up with. no matter how much i hate att i really need a gsm device....
Well as said. LTE is like a next gen or evolution of GSM. So alot of carriers are moving to it, if not all. At&t, Verizon, Sprint, Europe is going there. Maybe asia. So maybe LTE will be the new GSM.
Only downside is for people who live in third/second world countries.
Although you won't expect a big wave of LTE devices to hit anytime soon however, and make GSM obsolete.
Kailkti said:
Well as said. LTE is like a next gen or evolution of GSM. So alot of carriers are moving to it, if not all. At&t, Verizon, Sprint, Europe is going there. Maybe asia. So maybe LTE will be the new GSM.
Only downside is for people who live in third/second world countries.
Although you won't expect a big wave of LTE devices to hit anytime soon however, and make GSM obsolete.
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well yea thats true but withing next like 2 years they should start popping out fast
nothing is changing any time soon.... They are honoring all contracts that are entered before the merger happens. MEANING if you have an hd2 you have nothing to worry about. I for one will not still be using it in two years from now. There will be WAY better phones by then.
what a niche of people are worried about is if the $10 web2go or $5.99 tzones UNLIMITED DATA WITH TETHERING NO CAPS will still work..
$39 Billion is a lot of scooby snacks... and though I am aware that there are several regulatory hurdles to clear (SEC and FCC at the moment), I assume these beeeeches will lawyer up and find a way.
So from what I understand (which admittedly is very little) the existing Tmob towers will be re-purposed for rolling out Ma Bell's LTE coverage (within 12 months). As we all know, Ma Bell and Tmob use different broadcast frequencies for their Mobile broadband. So essentially, within a years time... those whom own a Vibrant, Vib + or any other 3g enabled Tmob smartphone... will have a very expensive edge capable device... ewwwwwwww, really !?!?!?!?!?!
Has there been any other word on this... as in compensation, grandfathering of packages (AT&T data plans blow money-wise) etc...
I know we have some Tmob sources on this board... any whispers???
Vibrant supports GayT&T bands, im unlocked.
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tng222 said:
Vibrant supports GayT&T bands, im unlocked.
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Umts and hsupa ????
droppin the know...
Vibrant is supports some AT&T's 3G bands. Most of the time, you'll be on AT&T's 3G, but you can also get kicked down to edge if the area you're in doesn't support Vibrant's 3G bands.
Nope, it does 850mhz and 1900mhz, all bands. However, I will admit the phone has issues switching between GSM and WCDMA, so I set it to WCDMA only.
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Read today that AT&T may have to divest part of T-Mobile to Sprint
http://www.tmonews.com/2011/03/analysts-say-att-will-have-to-divest-part-of-t-mobile-possibly-to-sprint/
T-Mobile is becoming a rag doll...
This is going to be more fun than the Sprint Nextel fiasco.
I don't think there is much mystery as to what will happen. This is AT&T we are talking about, after all.
While a nice bonus, the additional subscribers to AT&T's user base is really a secondary concern. AT&T's prime target were the (leases for) T-mobile's frequencies.
AT&T's network is already overloaded (thanks in part to weak infineon radio chipsets). They need to start the roll out to LTE to compete (verizon is already ahead of them), and they know that customers will cry foul and leave if their LTE and HSPA+ phones do not get service any faster than current 3G phones (see: Motorola Atrix).
So, what will happen to T-mobile users? Simple... AT&T will honor existing contracts and arrangements *for 2G/3G service* (T-mob does not have 4G, despite the marketing), and they will issue T-mobile users new phones (some discounted, I am sure) for use on AT&T's existing network.
What does this mean for T-mobile customers? Say good-bye to being able to answer a phone call at a concert or college football game. Being on the largest network means having to share bandwith/frequency with the largest number of users. They will fight for service with all those people with sh*tty iphone antennae.
Slower data, locked down Android phones, and higher rates for service if you want to sign a new agreement are what will inevitably happen. Current AT&T customers probably won't notice a difference unless they get an LTE phone (in which case they will get the faster data and non-overloaded service that T-mobile customers are used to).
T-mo 3G coverage will get better in smaller towns & cities, but this isn't much of an advantage for me since I live in a large city.
I hope that if that happens and I can't use my phone in their network, I'm given the option of just cancel my contract...
tng222 said:
Nope, it does 850mhz and 1900mhz, all bands. However, I will admit the phone has issues switching between GSM and WCDMA, so I set it to WCDMA only.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Really don't think so. FCC documents only say 1900MHz for 3G. Who knows though?
I just hope we can continue to use smartphones on prepaid plans. That's really why I left Ma Bell.
Tarzanman said:
I don't think there is much mystery as to what will happen. This is AT&T we are talking about, after all.
While a nice bonus, the additional subscribers to AT&T's user base is really a secondary concern. AT&T's prime target were the (leases for) T-mobile's frequencies.
AT&T's network is already overloaded (thanks in part to weak infineon radio chipsets). They need to start the roll out to LTE to compete (verizon is already ahead of them), and they know that customers will cry foul and leave if their LTE and HSPA+ phones do not get service any faster than current 3G phones (see: Motorola Atrix).
So, what will happen to T-mobile users? Simple... AT&T will honor existing contracts and arrangements *for 2G/3G service* (T-mob does not have 4G, despite the marketing), and they will issue T-mobile users new phones (some discounted, I am sure) for use on AT&T's existing network.
What does this mean for T-mobile customers? Say good-bye to being able to answer a phone call at a concert or college football game. Being on the largest network means having to share bandwith/frequency with the largest number of users. They will fight for service with all those people with sh*tty iphone antennae.
Slower data, locked down Android phones, and higher rates for service if you want to sign a new agreement are what will inevitably happen. Current AT&T customers probably won't notice a difference unless they get an LTE phone (in which case they will get the faster data and non-overloaded service that T-mobile customers are used to).
T-mo 3G coverage will get better in smaller towns & cities, but this isn't much of an advantage for me since I live in a large city.
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i think t-mobile does a great job in coverage, i get full service in my neighborhood but i dont get 3g service, maybe this will help? if not i just want to cancel my contract and switch to verizon
After the merger is done and the network has switched over...Worse case, I hope to unlock, pop in a AT&T SIM continue to use my Vibrant mostly like nothing has changed. I don't know what effect flashing a Captivate modem would have. I'm not worried...yet.
I think AT&T might make a transitional phase (2-4yrs) for T-mobile existing customers(no new AWS phones) before switching all T-mobile network to AT&T frequencies.
http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20048020-85.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0
I hope sprint gets it! I never had and never will have at&t.... I price checked with at&t a few days ago.. 210 dollars for 2 unlimited lines!?!? Data capped at 2Gigs.. And 10 bucks for every gig used after!? I pay 140 for two fully loaded vibrants. . Fack at&t
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nate420 said:
210 dollars for 2 unlimited lines!?!? Data capped at 2Gigs.. And 10 bucks for every gig used after!?
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Unlimited...
gamikzone said:
i think t-mobile does a great job in coverage, i get full service in my neighborhood but i dont get 3g service, maybe this will help? if not i just want to cancel my contract and switch to verizon
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Same Here. I have been with T-mobile for 7 years now and even though I moved from a "4G" area to an area where I only get Edge, i still have stayed with T-Mob, but I am hoping we get the option to cancel our contracts because that Thunderbolt from Verizon is looking good. My co-worker has one and let me mess with it and it is nice.
Tarzanman said:
I don't think there is much mystery as to what will happen. This is AT&T we are talking about, after all.
While a nice bonus, the additional subscribers to AT&T's user base is really a secondary concern. AT&T's prime target were the (leases for) T-mobile's frequencies.
AT&T's network is already overloaded (thanks in part to weak infineon radio chipsets). They need to start the roll out to LTE to compete (verizon is already ahead of them), and they know that customers will cry foul and leave if their LTE and HSPA+ phones do not get service any faster than current 3G phones (see: Motorola Atrix).
So, what will happen to T-mobile users? Simple... AT&T will honor existing contracts and arrangements *for 2G/3G service* (T-mob does not have 4G, despite the marketing), and they will issue T-mobile users new phones (some discounted, I am sure) for use on AT&T's existing network.
What does this mean for T-mobile customers? Say good-bye to being able to answer a phone call at a concert or college football game. Being on the largest network means having to share bandwith/frequency with the largest number of users. They will fight for service with all those people with sh*tty iphone antennae.
Slower data, locked down Android phones, and higher rates for service if you want to sign a new agreement are what will inevitably happen. Current AT&T customers probably won't notice a difference unless they get an LTE phone (in which case they will get the faster data and non-overloaded service that T-mobile customers are used to).
T-mo 3G coverage will get better in smaller towns & cities, but this isn't much of an advantage for me since I live in a large city.
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T-Mobile has a better "4G" than AT&T does. Their HSPA+ is faster than AT&T's.
dligon said:
http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20048020-85.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0
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Completely agree with the article.
They are allowing AT&T to be a monopoly again,after all the work it took to destroy the monopoly.The FCC should shot down this deal period.
Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
If some of you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts.
Thanks.
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Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
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In this case, I'd say lower cost might be a factor. In most areas, Verizon has very good or at least reasonable service.
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
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AT&T has had and still has problems with dropped calls in major metro areas. I've used them personally and haven't had a very good experience with their network in NYC.
Their raw coverage isn't too bad, but I wasn't able to rely on them to have calls connect all the time and for consistently fast data. T-Mobile has less raw coverage in the US but where it does work it is very consistent (for the record, in 99% of the places where I've needed signal, T-Mobile does work fine. YMMV).
Having said all that, if AT&T works well for you in your area, then that is great. Stick with them if you are happy. With cell phone carriers what works well is always going to vary from region to region.
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
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Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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I'm in the same boat. I've been with AT&T for some time and have had few problems with them from a technical standpoint. My biggest issue is more of how they segment their service offerings (i.e. charge extra to tether your phone even though you pay for a limited data plan) and how slow they are to approve/release upgrades to their handsets; Froyo was out for 6+ months before the official AT&T release on the captivate.
Some people might be more accepting of dropped calls but on T-Mobile dropped calls are an absolute rarity for me, whereas they were a regular expectation on AT&T.
I can understand the hatred toward AT&T. You have to realize that service for some period was just VERY bad in major metro areas. At one point in time it really just wasn't possible to make calls reliably or use data with any decent speed in NYC. Why? influx of iPhone users. Lately it has improved a bit but isn't great still.
if AT&T had put more money into their network to prepare for the usage things could have been better. You don't hear about carriers like Verizon or Sprint having too many issues with dropped calls due to an overloaded network. That's because they actually have invested in enough capacity to handle it. You could say AT&T experienced a lot higher growth than these, which is true to an extent, but Verizon's network pushes a LOT of calls and data every day and generally doesn't miss a beat in my experience. T-Mobile is about on par too here in NYC (though I understand they're not as strong in other areas).
See I understand that, but wouldn't you think that something like this merger would be a good thing?
Yes I understand that T-Mobile is currently cheaper than AT&T and yes I understand that if the merger goes thru that all current T-Mobile may be subject to pay a higher rate than they are used to but in that you will be getting all the benefits of the current T-Mobile service greatness you have now and you will be adding all the extra areas of service that you currently do not have that AT&T does. Isn't that worth a little more every month?
I thought so when I left and went to AT&T. I sacrificed cheaper rates for better coverage at a price and it is a price that I am glad to pay for.
Another thing that used to bug me when I was on T-Mobile was every high end device I would purchase would only work on Edge on T-Mobile and 3G on AT&T. Very unfair for someone who is willing to pay $400-$500 for a smartphone only to get Edge service because of who my carrier was. I will admit I was very happy with the innovations that T-Mobile was coming up with but unsatisfied with the end results.
Sorry for the rant. LOL
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As long as TMO has 3G (which may even be HSPA+ "4G") coverage in your area, then data service is generally pretty solid in my experience. Yes, sometimes it drops to 2G/EDGE, especially when indoors, but this is not common in Manhattan generally speaking.
I don't see the AT&T/TMO merger as a good thing because quite honestly the reason AT&T has poor service in a number of metro areas (and like I said, it used to be extremely bad) really comes down to poor business practices/management. They were the only carrier offering an iPhone and this was a highly sought after device. Even if their service quality was just OK at best in some areas many people were still flocking to them for the iPhone. It's clear that they knew this and took advantage of it. Now don't get me wrong they have put a lot of money into their network, but they could have handled this a hell of a lot better.
I also would prefer to keep my TMO service with crystal clear calls and fast data as it is. I don't need to use AT&T towers as I rarely if ever go to places where TMO doesn't have service and I especially don't want AT&T users creating congestion problems on the TMO towers.
I have to agree. I do think tho that AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time. That in itself could be the cause for HUGE data consumption by its users, especially those with iPhones. I still font see how adding more towers wouldn't help in coverage tho.
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AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time
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T-Mobile's 3G network has always had this capability.
Basically, I just don't want my current T-Mobile service which is solid to be mixed with AT&T's service which isn't solid. In the simplest sense, when you mix something that's very good with something that's mediocre, you're going to get something in between. And that's what I don't want. I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.
gsvnet said:
I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.
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That is 100% true and I guess with me now being an AT&T customer, I reap all the benefits.
Wouldn't it be kinda nice to have just one network with great prices and all the towers and goodies? LOL
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I've have at&t for many years and still do now. I had T-Mobile for about the last 5 months. Seriously in my area AT&T can't be beat and only paying $50 with unlimited internet and unlimited txt msg and just 450min (way more then I need). One of the major problems is that in some states coverage for at&T is horrible and really I notice it also comes down to the phones/radio too. Like all compaies just depends on your area.
Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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One or two dropped calls per month or even a week? Maybe. But AT&T has (in NYC metro area including, Jersey City, NJ where I live) three, four, five even six dropped calls A DAY. That in my book is utterly unacceptable especially when you are paying the "premium"prices AT&T charges for sub-par below bargain basement cell and customer service. If you have had good experiences with AT&T, I'm genuinely happy for you. Just know that you are in a very small minority of people that feel that way. As for Verizon (in my experience) their service isn't any better or more consistent than the service I currently receive from T-Mobile while paying significantly less. (I should know I also pay my fathers/stepmothers Verizon bill each month and for roughly equivalent service their bill is much higher). I have Sprint for mobile broadband and their 4G service has decent speed and it's unlimited for 60$ a month. Their 3G is nothing to write home about imo. (t-mobile is almost 3x (comparing Sprints 4g to T-Mobiles "3.5g". I have both the N1 and NS neither of which are capable of the 14.4+ HSPA+ speeds T-Mobile has)faster though at least in, my area) this has been my experience.....
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)
Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html
How much does it cost to force a merger through? about 10k to each congressman/woman
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000000076&chamber=&party=&cycle=2010&state=&sort=A
Trv06kviper said:
Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html
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Right. But the N1 and the NS (my phones) are capped at 7.(something, too early) I didn't feel like repeating t mobiles recent (and current hspa + upgrade path).... Most people here should have read about this stuff) and technically, NONE of technologies used in the US are "true" 4G according to the ORIGINAL DEFINITION (they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)
(they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)
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They do a LOT of that lol
I honestly don't understand all the hate towards AT&T, BUT I live in NJ, which is a popular and congested area.. so AT&T probably has lots of data towers and such here
With my iPhone 4, I didn't really get that many dropped calls to be honest. The prices also are pretty good in my opinion.
Only problem is that sometimes the data speeds are uneven. I am also impressed with the LTE network Verizon has set up; freaking fast as hell.
I still prefer AT&T because of their prices though
As someone who worked for AT&T, got crapped on by AT&T, and was subsequently fired by AT&T for no reason, I'll be damned if I give their sub-par service one dime from my pocket.
JayXL14,
Try hanging out in NYC. Dropped calls galore on AT&T. has been for a few years now.
Never a problem with TMO.
I can't stand either AT&T and Verizon and firmly believe those two are involved in backroom price collusion. Disagree with me all you want, I believe it and you can't change my mind. That being said, I also believe Sprint and T-mobile are no angels either..... They all suck donkey @#$&s.
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)
Believe me, I have searched and can't find a definite answer.
Assuming I get an unlock code from Verizon, and run the Connection Setup, will the Trophy work on T-Mobile at 3G speeds? Yes or no.
If yes, will it work on Verizon again after that, or is it "banned" from their network?\
Hoping for an answer from someone who has actually done this before.
Thanks!
brew182 said:
Believe me, I have searched and can't find a definite answer.
Assuming I get an unlock code from Verizon, and run the Connection Setup, will the Trophy work on T-Mobile at 3G speeds? Yes or no.
If yes, will it work on Verizon again after that, or is it "banned" from their network?\
Hoping for an answer from someone who has actually done this before.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Yes, it should work, you may get 3G speeds, but not HSPA+ speeds.. I do believe. There have been others who have done it, they would know. Even if you get an unlock code, you can still use the phone on Verizon so long as the ESN remains clean. If you really want a Trophy on T-Mobile though.. I'd wager you are better off getting the GSM Euro model for full network speed.
TheXev said:
Yes, it should work, you may get 3G speeds, but not HSPA+ speeds.. I do believe. There have been others who have done it, they would know. Even if you get an unlock code, you can still use the phone on Verizon so long as the ESN remains clean. If you really want a Trophy on T-Mobile though.. I'd wager you are better off getting the GSM Euro model for full network speed.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. Maybe some back story would explain it a little better. Debating on whether or not to switch to T-Mobile monthly 4g from Verizon, saving some money a month. I currently have the Verizon Trophy and wanted to try it out for a month to see how the service compares before I make the switch. Any other help is appreciated from someone who has done this before!
For me, the choice is clear: Verizon. T-Mobile's converge is vastly inferior, and for where I live, it isn't worth it (since T-Mobile is non-existent in this market outside of major cities).
Take a very close look at where you live, and where you travel on the coverage maps.
If you have Verizon and are on Unlimited data via 3G... for the love of God do not switch. lol Stay Grandfathered in and buy a 4G LTE phone outright (not via a plan) and your Unlimited data should carry up to 4G LTE.
Also remember, T-Mobile doesn't have IRL 4G service (LTE) and probably never will. It sounds like a great deal now, but switching might bite you in the ass, especially if your sitting on a Verizon Unlimited data plan. T-Mobile (and AT&T for that matter) run something I like to refer to as "the FAKE-G." Its HSPA+ or what the rest of the non-United States world calls 3.5G service. While AT&T is installing true 4G LTE towers, T-Mobile is simply trying to sell itself off instead of upgrading its network to compete.
Remember, the only real 4G is LTE.
If your on a metered Verizon data plan, it might be worth considering the switch (and shouldn't really change anything if you do). If you got Unlimited data via Verizon, don't even consider it. Wait for a 4G Windows Phone on Verizon and grab that when it hits at full price (even if it cost a pretty penny) and enjoy unlimited true 4G LTE data.
Read this for more information on keeping a Verizon Unlimited data plan with 4G. The only thing is, it doesn't account for the recently announced "truly Unlimited" T-Mobile plans, where they won't throttle your connection after 2GBs for some extra money a month that was just announced.
I'm not trying to sound like some kinda Verizon fanboy, but I want you to know some facts before thinking about switching.
Howdy kids,
Quick question for those with more knowhow/info on the LTE bands and carriers. In your opinion at this stage of the game... Which US S4 version will have the most compatibily domestically (formost) and internationally? I know he carries all get thier own hardware/modem... im just currious which phone i should try if i might end up switching carries after 6months or so (no contract).
thanks for your thoughts
If I had to guess, probably T-Mobile. Unfortunately where I live, T-Mobile is almost all 2G/3G so I have to go with Sprint CDMA. But GSM networks are definitely the most flexible if you travel.
Sarcron said:
If I had to guess, probably T-Mobile. Unfortunately where I live, T-Mobile is almost all 2G/3G so I have to go with Sprint CDMA. But GSM networks are definitely the most flexible if you travel.
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Click to collapse
If I had to guess I'd say AT&T...def not T-Mobile - although both are gsm which adds flexibility, T-Mobile has terrible service and AT&T has better service (not saying ATT has the best...but its def better than T-Mobile) and sprint service is pretty bad too...
Also keep in mind it depends on where you live. The above is based on where I love which is southern California (orange county)
But definitely go for either the T-Mobile or att as gsm networks seem to be the most flexible
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
Yep, GSM all the way if you travel and probably the snapdragon for the LTE if you have it in your home area or roam frequently where it is available. I'd likely go AT&T for the coverage unless you are in an area where you get good Tmo service and seldom leave it. No reason not to save the ching and get a cheaper plan with Tmo in that case.
I'd also add that if you plan on going off-contract and paying the full phone price, T-Mobile has the advantage of offering much better prepaid plans with unlimited data.
At&t id say. The verizon one will to but im betting the bootloader will be locked up. Once a dev cracks it then im sure roms will follow.