Somewhat unusual scenario - help me decide which carrier - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all, Hope you can help me out here make a decision with carrier choice when I buy my GS4 (I have a GS2 running CM10.1 now).
Facts:
- I live in Atlanta and thats the primary place I'll use (though I would like decent coverage in other parts of US as I travel some).
- My wife has a Nexus 4 I bought her directly from Google. She is on TMobile, has about 10 months left on her contract, is not a heavy user and i pay $85 a month -- she's on the unlimited data plan.
- I am on TMobile through my work. I have a 10GB data plan and don't pay anything for it.
- I can stay on TMobile on my work plan and just pay for the subsidized cost of the phone.
- I can switch to another carrier and charge $75 to my company.
- I am a relatively heavy user of data and want great speeds in most of the places I go as well as good phone service (TMo HSPA+ is very good in some places in Atlanta but not so good in others)
- I have a Clear USB device with unlimited data for $50 a month that I want to replace with either tethering on my new phone or a another USB device (I don't use this often but want it when I need it)
- I am EAGER (in other words, I don't really want to wait for Verizon but will if it makes sense.
Options:
- Stay on TMo and use tethering or a TMo USB to save me the $50 Clear. Downside I see: their network isn't as good at AT&T or Verizon
- Switch to AT&T, sever my wife's contract with TMo, buy an extra GS4 and sell it (pocketing the difference), and put her on a shared plan with me (and charge back $75 to my company each month)
- Switch to Verizon and do basically the same thing
- Sprint -- should I even consider this at this stage with the weakness of their network?
- Something else entirely???
I'd really appreciate any thoughts in helping me make this decision. I feel like I've dropped the ball the past few years in not analyzing my options and making the best decision.
-toast

As long as you are getting decent service from T-Mobile (connection and speed), I would stay with them. AT&T and Verizon have better coverage atm, but T-Mobile's network is growing. I don't see any gain from switching. I have no idea about Sprint.

Sprint is garbage. Don't do it, stay away if you know that's best. I regret ever switching from att
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

MultiLockOn said:
Sprint is garbage. Don't do it, stay away if you know that's best. I regret ever switching from att
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my girlfriend used to have sprint and it sucked. shes on verizon with me now on a 4gb plan, i still have my unlimited
also i used to have t-mobile and it was terrible too, verizon seems to be the best choice imo. at&t seems to have the upper hand on this release date though, im not happy about it -_-

If Tmo has the coverage you need switching will only mean you spend more money to no particular end because neither AT&T nor Verizon will be cheaper. They are however more restrictive in their policies as an (un)bonus should you decide to go that way. Sprint can be great if they have the coverage you need but you would want to talk to locals that actually have the service and make sure because coverage maps lie as you probably know.

xdatoast said:
Hi all, Hope you can help me out here make a decision with carrier choice when I buy my GS4 (I have a GS2 running CM10.1 now).
Facts:
- I live in Atlanta and thats the primary place I'll use (though I would like decent coverage in other parts of US as I travel some).
- My wife has a Nexus 4 I bought her directly from Google. She is on TMobile, has about 10 months left on her contract, is not a heavy user and i pay $85 a month -- she's on the unlimited data plan.
- I am on TMobile through my work. I have a 10GB data plan and don't pay anything for it.
- I can stay on TMobile on my work plan and just pay for the subsidized cost of the phone.
- I can switch to another carrier and charge $75 to my company.
- I am a relatively heavy user of data and want great speeds in most of the places I go as well as good phone service (TMo HSPA+ is very good in some places in Atlanta but not so good in others)
- I have a Clear USB device with unlimited data for $50 a month that I want to replace with either tethering on my new phone or a another USB device (I don't use this often but want it when I need it)
- I am EAGER (in other words, I don't really want to wait for Verizon but will if it makes sense.
Options:
- Stay on TMo and use tethering or a TMo USB to save me the $50 Clear. Downside I see: their network isn't as good at AT&T or Verizon
- Switch to AT&T, sever my wife's contract with TMo, buy an extra GS4 and sell it (pocketing the difference), and put her on a shared plan with me (and charge back $75 to my company each month)
- Switch to Verizon and do basically the same thing
- Sprint -- should I even consider this at this stage with the weakness of their network?
- Something else entirely???
I'd really appreciate any thoughts in helping me make this decision. I feel like I've dropped the ball the past few years in not analyzing my options and making the best decision.
-toast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Metro PCS and T-Mobile will merge and in some markets will have 40 MHZ spectrum that is twice what top carrier's can match. .....so in my opinion budget prospective ....stay on what you have. ......
And invest to Wilson amplifier and good antenna and you will have better service .....I use Wilson devices in all my wehicles and also for the house. .....not very cheap ......and going little at the time will make you smile one day .......
Just remember today device's are built for everything else but not for strong reception. ......
Sent from SGH-S959G

Related

[Poll] Who's going to bail T-Mo after AT&T gobbles them up

With the announcement of AT&T buying T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom, I am for sure going to switch back to Sprint as soon as I can.
Who's else is going to bail, or are you going to stick out or wait and see what happens?
Please take the poll above, and if you have something to say about this, head over to the already ongoing thread about this merger/buyout.
I for one will probably be sticking with Att/Tmobile. I have to use wifi calling in my apartment, and this will eliminate the need for that. Not to mention they will probably have to grandfather in all plans they acquire for the time being.
WHy would you bail? Once they merge Tmobile and ATT with me sharing the same towers hence HUGE coverage gains on both ends. ATT/Tmobile will pass-up verizon's coverage likely and data coverage will be alot better. It's just ironic alot of the iPhone users have migrated to Verizon for better coverage.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-03-20-att-deal_N.htm
jeffokada81 said:
WHy would you bail? Once they merge Tmobile and ATT with me sharing the same towers hence HUGE coverage gains on both ends. ATT/Tmobile will pass-up verizon's coverage likely and data coverage will be alot better. It's just ironic alot of the iPhone users have migrated to Verizon for better coverage.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-03-20-att-deal_N.htm
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Click to collapse
Never had a problem with signal when I was on Sprint before, sure I don't do much traveling, but my area is covered well, and the trip from St. Louis to Nashville that I take a couple of times a year is covered very well also. So I'm not worried about coverage.
What I don't want to deal with is AT&T monopolistic ways. The things that they are doing now is going to cause the government to have to come back in and start regulating again, just as happened in the past with them. Expensive plans, locked down phones, data caps, crappy customer service. Not very customer oriented, but very line-their-own-pockets oriented instead. I can't blame a company for wanting to make money, that's the purpose of a business, but when it increases what they charge and takes away services, then I don't want anything to do with them.
If the merger is eventially aproved (antitrust gov), then I'll just wait & see in about 12 months where we stand.
How does upgrading phones work when you're under a contract with Sprint?
Can you just buy your own phone and activate it?
erikikaz said:
How does upgrading phones work when you're under a contract with Sprint?
Can you just buy your own phone and activate it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However you get the phone, weather from Sprint, a private party or another reatailer, you will need to either call Sprint or go to a Sprint store to get the phone activated. If you call, you can't use the phone that your about to upgrade, you'll have to use another phone such as a land line or a friends phone. Sure it's not as convenient as just swapping your SIM card, but still pretty easy, phone call usually only take a few minutes anymore. They instruct you step by step what to enter on the new phone and, in my experience, it's usually working withing minutes. In the case of going to a Sprint store to have them activate it, it's usually working before I get to my car, which is only a minute walk at the store in my area.
I've had all kinds of problems with at%t/Cingular. I'm bailing and going to sprint. Not all the towers will be shared anyway & say goodbye to tethering w/o paying 14.99 and unlimited data plans.
Sure, as long as you dont upgrade or change your plan you will be ok, but it would only be a matter of time until you switch sometime.
I can only hope Google releases the next series of nexus on sprint also. I'd hate to give up my nexus
Sent from my Nexus One
Every news outlet has it wrong......
Read the press Releases people !
Why have all sites gotten the interpretation of the Press Release incorrect???
"T-Mobile USA continues to operate as an independent company."
"T-Mobile USA remains an independent company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in approximately 12 months."
In BOTH cases, the statements are PRESENT tense, not future tense. There is ZERO indication that TMobile WILL BE an independent entity after the acquisition has been completed. Has people's understanding of grammar become THAT incomplete and incorrect that EVERYONE in the news can't differentiate between a statement of PRESENT and one of FUTURE tense ?
Pay attention people. This is nothing but BAD for current TMobile customers.
I have no idea what to do. I was planning on selling my N1 to go the route of either the G2X or some other dual core phone, but now this changes everything.
There is no point in buying a TMO phone now if it'll be without provider support in a year. Even if there is scant support, the value of whatever phone I purchase will drop like a rock by the time the merger nears completion.
The value of phones drop 2 months after you buy them nowadays :/ (ok i'm exaggerating XD).
I only want to know if they will keep both companies type of GSM so I can still buy a phone in the US and use it when I travel to Europe at it's full potential.
Dude !! You stole my mind!
erikikaz said:
I have no idea what to do. I was planning on selling my N1 to go the route of either the G2X or some other dual core phone, but now this changes everything.
There is no point in buying a TMO phone now if it'll be without provider support in a year. Even if there is scant support, the value of whatever phone I purchase will drop like a rock by the time the merger nears completion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is PRECISELY the decision process I was going through......I figured...ok...get the G2X and keep the N1 as a spare.......Now...why the F would I want it ? It's ridiculous.....
galaxys said:
If the merger is eventially aproved (antitrust gov), then I'll just wait & see in about 12 months where we stand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts as well. It will be sometime down the road if we see any changes if it even gets approved. So in the mean time let your contracts run out lol
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0b5.1.1 using Tapatalk
It's a shame that TMO is being bought out. I've had them for over 7 years and I've loved them. Great service, the best prices, and the best Android devices. I hate AT&T with a passion (I used to work for em so my hatred runs VERY deep). Their network is congested, slow, and under-developed. There is a real lack of Android devices, their prices suck, and there is no unlimited data. My wife and I are checking out Sprint and Verizon right now but Sprint is winning thus far. I'd rather get crappy service from a small company that has good devices with better plans and lower prices than get crappy service from either one of the 2 giants that I'd pay too much for and have a poor selection of phones.
DBBGBA said:
The value of phones drop 2 months after you buy them nowadays :/ (ok i'm exaggerating XD).
I only want to know if they will keep both companies type of GSM so I can still buy a phone in the US and use it when I travel to Europe at it's full potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, all current T-Mobile phones would not get 3G.
Ive had Vzw and at&t for at least 2 years each. Vzw had the best coverage then at&t (in my area) but call one of them and dispute a charge on your bill. Good luck.
I deployed to Iraq, sent at&t a letter stating that I was breaking my contract as per a congressional order. Not only did they not, they charged me for 2 lines which I was never signed up for. After I came back, I found I owed nearly 1500$ in late charges and it had been sent to collections. Call them up and after nearly 30 hours, numerous certified letters sent in and faxed, it took nearly 9 months for it to be removed. Call Tmo service, you get a English speaking representative every time. Screw at&t, and any one believing nothing will change, go ahead and sign up for 2 more years and find out the hard way
Sent from my Nexus One
Im in no rush to figure it out... but ultimately my company will decide. We arent too happy with Tmobile's support for us and might be swapping to Verizon, but that also depends on signal strength at our office (in the mountains). They pay for my phone, so I go along for the ride (although i buy my phones outright so that cost stings).
if tzones keeps working i am in. if not metro pcs
Been with Tmo since Voicstream and I will indeed miss Tmo's support in the coming years. I have ATT for DSL and for the most part is ok comparing it to Verizon Fios back in NY.
I for one will let ATT and Tmo do it's thing. ATT has its towers here as well as Tmo so I think I'll get decent coverage for now. Because of my wife's corp discount, we had to sign up for another 2yr contract about 3 months ago so we'll be grandfathered for a spell. If not, ATT better let us out of any ETF's if we do decide to go elsewhere.
But in the future, we may get a bigger corp discount with conjunction of bundling our dsl and wireless. We'll see.
It just really depends on what types of policies ATT will enforce on former T-Mobile customers and how quickly they switch things over postmerge. I have been a happy T-Mo customer for years and I was just thinking recently how much I enjoy the Nexus One and would probably not need to get a new phone for a long time. However, this clearly changes things.
I think it's highly likely that my grandfathered "perks" from being with T-Mo forever such as my $49.99 two-line family plan, $10/month @Home VOIP landline service, $10/phone web2go unlimited internet, and maybe even my 12% AAA discount will all disappear shortly after the merger is completed. Additionally, I don't tether much but I like having the option built into my N1, and ATT is going after "unauthorized" tethering on their network.
Another thing that concerns me is that I can see the "new" ATT offering some discounts to former T-Mo customers down the road when T-Mo's "old" 3G phones become useless as that spectrum is swiched over to LTE... however, I am sure that will not include N1 customers since we did not buy the phone through T-Mobile.
All in all it will have been a great ride with T-Mobile and I am sad to know that it will likely be ending. I am just going to have to see how things shake out. The increased coverage of ATT+T-Mobile would certainly be welcome, but I am concerned about pricing. I get a work discount through Sprint and they have pretty good coverage in my area - I've just never seriously considered them due to the great deal I've been getting through T-Mo. Sprint has also shown a very strong commitment to Android which I think is a positive. As the merger approaches I will definitely be re-evaluating my options.

[POLL] Where will you be going when AT&T Acquires T-Mobile ?

Which carrier will you be going to when this god forsaken act happens ?
I love T-Mobile for the phones , plans , service , and coverage . Tis a sad
day for phone junkys . I will be going to Verizon when this happens . Its
gonna suck not being able to use my G2 anymore , Best phone ive ever
had hands down
Gonna go to SimpleMobile assuming that they don't get effected by the merger. We'll see when that happens. I'm tired of contracts and carrier bull****. I'll always bring my own phones.
I simply won't pay the ridiculous rates Verizon and AT&T charge. I can't stand helping companies that do that to people.
I pay $75 a month on T-Mo (w/ no contract, big plus) including handset protection and taxes, I'd be at about $110+ on Verizon or AT&T. And I'd be in a contract. F that.
At&t obviously
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Sprint. I'll probably switch when the evo 3d is released. No reason to wait for my device to become a paperweight, might as well sell now.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Won't do business with Sprint again and absolutely despise AT&T so I guess that means Verizon.
IF the service ends up sucking (which given that they screwed up Cingular when they bought them), then I will switch to Verizon. We will see how this goes, if it even gets approved anyway, but at this point in time Verizon looks to have the better LTE network anyway.
ddgarcia05 said:
Sprint. I'll probably switch when the evo 3d is released. No reason to wait for my device to become a paperweight, might as well sell now.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although the Evo 3D is tempting, I need a physical keyboard. Whoever has a 3D screen, multicore processor and a physical keyboard gets my business.
I don't think after the merger "if" approved our phone will be paper weights I'm not seeing the problem if so I'm sure ugrades and so on will be offered. Most of us on XDA don't even keep our phones for a year so by the time this all happens will be on to the next best dual core device out there. I think with the pressure on the other carriers if this deal is approved we will probably see some good offerings from other companies to solicit our business. I'm sure verizon or sprint would love some tmo customers. Sad to see tmobile go but its the nature of the beast with this economy today were seeing allot of our favorite companies disappear. I've been a tmobile customer for 6+ years and I don't ever recall them being out of the #4 spot. This was bound to happen and I'm almost glad its with at&t then the rumored sprint. I have 5 tmobile phone lines on family plan all I can do is wait and see and make the best choice when its done for my money. I'm actually looking forward to better coverage and more phone choices.
Sent from my CM7 powered G2
agreed.
however, i want to see how long i can stay on my even more+ plan with att before making a decision. if i can stay grandfathered in and keep the reduced rate with unlocked phones, maybe i will stay.
thats a big maybe though.
robot_agenda said:
agreed.
however, i want to see how long i can stay on my even more+ plan with att before making a decision. if i can stay grandfathered in and keep the reduced rate with unlocked phones, maybe i will stay.
thats a big maybe though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. AT&T's CEO said that they are "looking into" keeping the no-contract plans. Which means that they probably won't lol.
If I can stay on my $59.99 plan with no contract, and the service isn't complete abysmal, I'll stay with AT&T. If not, I guess I'll check my other options. Because I completely despise AT&T (as well as Verizon, boo CDMA) I really don't think I'd stay with them unless they can grandfather me in, which I don't think they'll do because they're not contractually obligated to offer me anything.
robot_agenda said:
agreed.
however, i want to see how long i can stay on my even more+ plan with att before making a decision. if i can stay grandfathered in and keep the reduced rate with unlocked phones, maybe i will stay.
thats a big maybe though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same for me i think... we'll just ride it out for now.
ive also heard about simple mobile, maybe ill check them out.
Mog said:
same for me i think... we'll just ride it out for now.
ive also heard about simple mobile, maybe ill check them out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple Mobiles uses TMO's 3G towers. The same towers ATT wants to build their 4G on. Which means no more 3G towers.
Who says simple mobile won't be paying att for the towers?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
sprint
if the deal goes through,and the customer service starts going to **** like at&t is known for and pricing starts rising im outta here,will def look into sprint cuz there prices are good as well as there coverage,and they got some pretty nice phones right now(evo 4g,epic 4g,evo shift) so im guessing in a year they will have better faster phones all with FFC and dual-cores....hopefully
I would love to leave right now because I'm honestly just pissed off at T-Mobile as a company (I know that DT did it, but it's a branch of them) and I don't want to give them anymore business, but, I don't have the luxury of paying $1000 to pay the ETF fees on the account.
I'll be pretty screwed if AT&T doesn't nullify contracts and let people leave.
Most likely Sprint. They're currently the closest to T-Mobile in pricing and unlimited data. Plus it looks like Sprint and Google are gonna be working more closely with the full integration of Google Voice and Google building their new gigabit broadband network in Sprint's backyard.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
I'm going to have to go with Sprint as well. Even though their coverage where I am at isn't the greatest, they're the only other company that can get close to the rate plans that Tmobile offers.
Also: bugger paying $30/mo for a a data plan that I LITERALLY MUST PURCHASE TO ACTIVATE THE DEVICE even though Verizon has no 3g or 4g coverage in my area. God forbid I actually utilize a smartphone as a cellphone by turning off my data connection whenever possible. I already do this on Tmobile as they have zero 3g coverage in my zone and will likely continue doing it into the future.
Telecoms in the US are holding the consumer over a burning cauldron of oil and splitting them in half in the name of "good customer service." This unmitigated greed will not be stopped by those who are charged with protecting the populace from the foibles of big business.
Edit 2: Okay so I've done comparative pricing between my current Tmobile plan and a rough equivalent on ATT. All in all I would be paying an additional $6 dollars before tax and fees for 50 less minutes and no insurance on my device. The fact that unlimited texts cost $20/month is absolutely absurd as lets face it, that calculates out to something like just over a grand per MB of data transferred
In short: Go set your head on fire ATT. I will remove myself from the 21st century and forgo the conveniences of smartphones if it means giving you any of my money. I'll live in a box under a bridge enjoying sprint band coverage on virgin mobile for $25/month with unlimited text data and 300 talk minutes.
Simplemobile maybe a good alternative but I'm holding out for the LG phone which is supposedly going to work with at&t 3g signal as well T mobiles. Also my main concern is how Android friendly at&t will be since they are still committed primary to the iphone?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
i intend to find out if the gov't approves, then i am going to upgrade all 3 phones on my plan, and lock in my plan for 3+ years, even if ATT acquires Tmo, they will have to honor all the existing contracts for at least a few years, that we we can see the prices level out with only 3 "large" carriers...I would have to pay 75+ more dollars for a comparable plan to my tmo plan on ATT, and thats just nuts, to step down on the customer support and network quality is just crazy, but in a way since all us tmo people have good service, i see that the added towers to ATT's network will improve it for everyone, and thats why ATT wants Tmo, a 'cheap' way to 4g, not to mention the spectrum space.
Sprint for sure my parents just switched from ATT after 7 years to sprint cause I pushed them to do it, and I'm waiting for the evo 3d to come out so I can make my move.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

Why did you choose your current cell phone carrier

Just wondering why people choose a certain carrier. I'm on AT&T. For me, it's because I get a 23% discount off my monthly bill because of my employer/company. What are your reasons for being with X carrier?
1. Financial i.e. monthly discount, cheapest plan, ect.
2. Reception
3. Family/friend related or family plan
4. LTE in your area?
5. Specific/high end phones?
6. Loyalty
7. Customer service
8. Other
Pick one, any, or all if applicable.
For T-mobile i would have to say #1,6,7, and occasionally #5
Because of my mom, it was easier to buy one (I am only 14 years old) and almost everyone I talk the most have TIM. But the rest, every Brazilian carrier sucks.
Sent using Mini CM7 Pro by Paul
I've been on T-Mobile for about a decade I think. T-Mobile's pricing is what attracted me as a customer. Their desperation is what keeps me. These guys will bend over backwards to keep me happy and have. I appreciate the things they've done for me that I see people on other carriers getting refused with. Such as very early upgrades just because I was unhappy with my current phone.
My carrier (telus) has better service while traveling yet after signing with them i found i have no service in my school -_- thankfully i'm out of there next yea so i''m cool with it and I got a good loyality plan out of them (i hope)
200min, Unlimited texting , Voicemail (Not visual ;( ) unlimited evenings and weekends and 6 gigs data, for like $65 the only thing I would like them to improve is visual voicemail and Caller ID but I don't want to spend $10 more a month for that.
#4 and #5
10char
At&t
#2. Coverage is the primary factor for me
AT&T
20% discount at work, same carrier as my fiance, best voice coverage in my area, fastest data in my area, decent plan prices, good phone selection, good business customer service.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I have Sprint. It was more of a legacy thing for me. My parents had it so I got it.
Plus they do a 15% discount for my work and were the cheapest single plan with the discount.
Of course now that I'm married, the plans of other carriers are a bit closer in price. Even with unlimited data, I only use maybe 1.5 or 2 gigs at the most per month, so it's not as worth it to shell out as it once was.
Many of my family and friends are in the same network. That's why.
~ Sent from iOS/Android device
1. AT&T offered us a plan with unlimited everything (cept data, but I got that one) for cheaper then T-Mobile if we switched, and even paid our ETF's, needless to say, we did it.
2. Better reception.
4. Yep, I have an LTE enabled phone and live in an LTE market, obviously I would take advantage of that.
At&t because its the only carrier with signal where I live...
Enviado desde mi Samsung Galaxy Note
cheaper, unlimited data and special offer to switch from helio when i was shut down
Because I was an employee of my carrier up until June of this year and got waived the activation fee, 50% off my bill and a 1-year contract but 2-year pricing on my 4G phone. I also wanted to get grandfathered into unlimited data which is worth its weight in gold! No throttling here nor snooping into my 3rd party tethering unlike ATT.
2. Reception - In my area AT&T has the best service, followed by Sprint and then a large drop to Verizon. Causes me to get a bit irked when people say AT&T is universally bad and Verizon can do no wrong since I constantly see the exact opposite, but whatever.
6. Loyalty - My family has been on AT&T since the Cingular days, so we're grandfathered into an ancient family plan that's really cheap. If we were to switch carriers our bill would go way up.
Aldi Talk
Because its the best in my town !
1. Internet usage is for free
Verizon seems to have the best coverage in my area (Atlanta, OTP north side). Also, I'm grandfathered in for unlimited data.
cuz Monopoly nothing else LOL
AT&T
3. Family/friend related or family plan
I don't pay a single cent since I'm on my uncle's business/familty plan thing
however, AT&T does suck and the second I can afford it I'm getting Verizon...

VZW worth the extra 12-15 bucks a month?

So I'm at a point where I am striking out on my own and dropping off my parents family plan. What I am looking at is A $100 plan from vzw for 2gb data and a $90 plan from att for 3gb data. (I use no more than 1.5gb in a month) Coverage in my area for verizon is a little bit better than att but no LTE from either side. My company has a discount for both providers at 17% so no advantage there. Verizon has the bad habit of locking up phones so I can't play with them as well.
Another option I've had is since my work doesn't allow cell phones on the premises, I have thought about switching to a dumb phone since I won't be using it 40-50 hours of the week but that is for a later time.
In other words, do you all think VZW "service" is worth a $150 bucks extra a year than att?
From what you've told me about your usage patterns, I'd go with ATT, or even a MNVO like Straight Talk.
I had ATT and the only reason I left was because of their throttling.. I prefer GSM phones to CDMA since they hold value better and since they are worldwide, you have more compatibility and a larger selection.
bukithd said:
So I'm at a point where I am striking out on my own and dropping off my parents family plan. What I am looking at is A $100 plan from vzw for 2gb data and a $90 plan from att for 3gb data. (I use no more than 1.5gb in a month) Coverage in my area for verizon is a little bit better than att but no LTE from either side. My company has a discount for both providers at 17% so no advantage there. Verizon has the bad habit of locking up phones so I can't play with them as well.
Another option I've had is since my work doesn't allow cell phones on the premises, I have thought about switching to a dumb phone since I won't be using it 40-50 hours of the week but that is for a later time.
In other words, do you all think VZW "service" is worth a $150 bucks extra a year than att?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
I agree. Verizon is just crap compared to what they used to be. In the days of unlimited data it wasn't so bad but now they are just plain greedy. Plus striking out on your own you don't want to get stuck if you lose your job paying a $100/mo bill when you could use that money for food. Trust me, it happened to me and now I owe Verizon and can't afford to pay them. If T-Mobile has good coverage they may be an option as well.
Pageplus is a Verizon MVNO.
For $55 per month (No Taxes!), you get unlimited talk/text and 2Gb of 3g data.
You can use a Verizon phone too!
Plus, if you buy from Pageplusdirect.com, you get a 7% discount!
Product F(RED) said:
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
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Click to collapse
That's been one of the most complete decent answers I've got on this forum in a while. I will seriously consider it. AT&T gets good enough service for me to get the same stuff for half price. Thanks!
bukithd said:
That's been one of the most complete decent answers I've got on this forum in a while. I will seriously consider it. AT&T gets good enough service for me to get the same stuff for half price. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Product F(RED) said:
Straight Talk:
$45 a month ($50 after taxes)
Unlimited Talk
Unlimited Text
Unlimited* Data (just don't go nuts with it, but 1.5 GB is more than safe)
It runs on AT&T (also T-Mobile, but it asks you to choose which SIM you want. Choose AT&T). No, there's no LTE, but there's full speed HSPA+ which should be plenty fast. I don't think Verizon is worth it unless you're in an area where they're the only viable option, or if you need insane speed for some strange reason. I switched off my family's Sprint plan to Straight Talk. I don't know how I survived on CDMA; once you go GSM, the freedom of being able to switch phones whenever you want is great. If you're already on a GSM network, it's not worth giving up. That, and the price.
Order a SIM from http://straighttalk.com and choose "AT&T compatible SIM". It works in a locked AT&T phone or unlocked phone. You could even use your Rezound; I know it works on AT&T believe it or not. They found out a while ago. But if you're looking for a new phone, best bang for your buck? Galaxy Nexus from the Play Store.
Oh and when you fill in the APN for data, leave out the "Proxy" fields except for MMS Proxy. It disallows them from throttling you or monitoring what apps you use. They've been known to call people for streaming a lot, but I've gone over 2GB of usage and haven't gotten any calls from them or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally am done with Verizon. The very first phone I had wouldn't charge completely (8 hours on charger, half full, 2 hours battery life) almost from the get go, they started sending me refurbs and I've been stuck in refurb hell ever since. To top it off the data speeds and connection have gotten gradually worse in my area, like they are trying to push you to upgrade to a 4G phone and go to the new shared plans (which I don't doubt a bit). I can't get a good enough connection in the parking lot at work most days make a phone call, and I'm in the 2nd largest city in my state, we have 4G, and the coverage map is blood red with both 3G and 4G coverage. At my desk I'm lucky to get any coverage (thank god we have wifi, guy next to me on his VZW iphone 4 gets full signal). I got an unlocked GNEX a couple weeks ago, got a TMO sim to try out, I have consisten 4-5 bars at my desk and full signal in the parking lot, I only got the 100mb 4G plan but TMO's 2G speeds are about as fast as what I get on average with VZW. I'm on my 12th phone with VZW and had enough even though they keep replacing them. I pay $210 a month for service that doesn't work all the time and slow data speeds.
I'm going to straight talk next, because I learned the hard way TMO doesn't include roaming with their prepaid. Otherwise I'd stick with them because where they have coverage its been great. But for $45 a month, Straight Talk is getting a try it out month from me on AT&T's network which I have great signal with here.
Anyway, point was, stay away from VZW, they're greedy and pushing a bad product IMO.
I think android made verizon that way. When I first hopped on the network I got an incredible that was about 6 months after its release, I loved everything. Since then, there have been overly modded phones, worsening signal quality jack ups in price, and and my phone is just now (in the next couple of weeks maybe) set for an ICS update. I just wish there were more prepaid providers with better service history. Verizon does have good personal customer service, at least in my experience.
bukithd said:
I think android made verizon that way. When I first hopped on the network I got an incredible that was about 6 months after its release, I loved everything. Since then, there have been overly modded phones, worsening signal quality jack ups in price, and and my phone is just now (in the next couple of weeks maybe) set for an ICS update. I just wish there were more prepaid providers with better service history. Verizon does have good personal customer service, at least in my experience.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I think so, with the success of Android they got greedy. Signal quality, prices, just not worth it anymore. However, their customer service has been fantastic, I have no problems getting replacement phones, just tired of needing them and really the problems have never gone away. Now that I've gone to an unlocked GNEX, I'm never going back, lol.
Verizon has to be the most controlling carrier in my knowledge. I mean they are one of the only ones to put a locked boot loader on the SGS III, and FFS they striped ram out of my old HTC Touch Pro. It's not like they charge any less for the crippled phones they sell, they're just in it for the money.
icomrade said:
Verizon has to be the most controlling carrier in my knowledge. I mean they are one of the only ones to put a locked boot loader on the SGS III, and FFS they striped ram out of my old HTC Touch Pro. It's not like they charge any less for the crippled phones they sell, they're just in it for the money.
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Click to collapse
I used to work in a third-party Verizon store and a customer we've known for a while had been through 3 BB Storm 2's, all of them crapping out differently, but in ways that made them totally unusable. He was a doctor, so he needed a reliable phone. I called up CS on behalf of him, with him sitting across from me. All he wanted was a BB Bold, even a refurbished replacement (he had insurance), and they told me to tell him to just leave Verizon. How crazy is that?
They're also against Net Neutrality, which means they want to be able to charge you more for certain services. Like how AT&T is planning on charging extra for Facetime over 3G on the iPhone. It's like saying, "Oh, you want to watch YouTube on your phone? You'll need to shell out an extra $10 a month for our YouTube package. You wanna browse Facebook? You need to add $5 a month to your bill to have access to the Facebook app."
Product F(RED) said:
I used to work in a third-party Verizon store and a customer we've known for a while had been through 3 BB Storm 2's, all of them crapping out differently, but in ways that made them totally unusable. He was a doctor, so he needed a reliable phone. I called up CS on behalf of him, with him sitting across from me. All he wanted was a BB Bold, even a refurbished replacement (he had insurance), and they told me to tell him to just leave Verizon. How crazy is that?
They're also against Net Neutrality, which means they want to be able to charge you more for certain services. Like how AT&T is planning on charging extra for Facetime over 3G on the iPhone. It's like saying, "Oh, you want to watch YouTube on your phone? You'll need to shell out an extra $10 a month for our YouTube package. You wanna browse Facebook? You need to add $5 a month to your bill to have access to the Facebook app."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is what scares me about cell service regardless who is providing it. I want what was free to begin with to stay free. I already pay about 1000 bucks a year for you to do what you will with me.
Verizon perk though, they just hooked up 4g in my area today and it actually works.

Project Fi not worth it?

After doing extensive research and comparison....I don' t see how Project Fi is a better deal price wise.
I have not tried Google Fi....I just ordered a Pixel XL....but unless their plan prices lower to be more competitive....no thanks.
In-fact, I find Republic Wireless or MetroPCS to be a better deal if you are looking for a cheap NVMO.
I was gonna switch to a cheaper carrier, but then Tmobile is now offering 10gb pre-pay plan for $50. (vs the $40 3gb plan I was on).
Since I am directly with the network carrier, and not a NVMO like Fi, faster speeds and higher priority.
( Tested out Republic Wireless and MetroPCS in my area to compare, both are Tmobile NVMO's....and download speed is capped at around 25megs. On my Tmobile prepay sim, I get full speeds of 100+megs.) (ATT/Sprint NVMOS are capped at 8megs)
If Fi lowered their base plan to $10 or made it $5 per GB...then it would be far more competitive. Sure, they do the refund thing, but 10gb base would be $120 on Fi....i would have to only use up to 3GB on Fi to get a refund to make it $50 to match Tmobile 10gb price.
The only real advantage i can see with Fi is for low data users and those who needs the carrier switching ability in there area. Tmobile is far better in my area...and the 3rd carrier Fi uses isnt even anywhere near me. So, travel wise, I suppose Fi would also be a low cost option to VZW(which seems to be the most preferred for travel)
The only reason I'm on Fi is because data for tablets, etc. is free.
Well, it gets rolled into your plan's existing data usage.
But they don't charge you like $10/month for having a tablet or something.
Between that and the fact that I'm locked in, I'd already be back with AT&T which has the best overall coverage here in Texas.
Fi is good. But it's not GREAT.
Fi user here.
When Fi first came out it was a lot more competitive. Now that the other major carriers are offering unlimited data, unlimited streaming, etc. for ~$50-60 a month, it's hard to make an argument for Project Fi. I don't use a whole lot of data while on the go; I average about 2 GB a month, so Fi makes sense for me (a $45 phone bill is awesome) but this is not the case with most others. I also like the networking switching because T-Mobile is a bit weak where I work, while Sprint is somehow very strong (Sprint sucks pretty much every where else in my area). The data only SIMs are cool, the idea is cool, the speed is great, WiFi calling is stellar, network switching is neat and works relatively well, and if you don't use a whole lot of data, you can save a lot of money on your phone bill every month. If you're a person who likes to stream video and snapchat every aspect of their life while on the go, I'd say look elsewhere lol.
I used to be a T-Mobile customer. I switched to Project Fi when I got a Nexus 5X. My phone bill was substantially lower. Things have changed, however, and pricing among competitors has gotten a lot more... competitive. I find myself considering going back to T-Mobile from time to time, but it's not worth the hassle. Perhaps when I move to a new area / get a new job.
The main reason I'm still on Fi is because I travel overseas yearly and international data is considered part of your normal data pool. I came from T-Mobile who I wouldn't mind going back to if it wasn't for a bad experience with John Legere. Only other carrier I've considered is Verizon who have a terrible international data plan so thats not going to happen anytime soon.
FI User since i got my Pixel XL in 2016
Silenthillnight said:
The main reason I'm still on Fi is because I travel overseas yearly and international data is considered part of your normal data pool. I came from T-Mobile who I wouldn't mind going back to if it wasn't for a bad experience with John Legere. Only other carrier I've considered is Verizon who have a terrible international data plan so thats not going to happen anytime soon.
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Click to collapse
I agree.
No Roaming.
Variety in carrier when traveling is a huge plus.
Low fees.
Hangouts works really well for ProjectFI users, still texting and making calls.
Even when i do have a month where i use 10gb it is still cheaper than the group plan i was supporting with ATT before.
And the peak is only that month.
Otherwise I am in the 65-95 per month range. Which was still half of my monthly with ATT.
If Verizon would take corporate discounts on the Unlimited plan I would switch but they dont so i wont.
I have been with Fi since the beginning. I travel quite a bit and has come in handy out of the US.
I was with AT&T before and they had great service everywhere I went here in the states. That said with my 2 phones I was spending 150ish a month for service.
With Project Fi my bills are around 70 a month. Very worth it for me.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
If you don't like the idea of Fi, you're wanting to use it for the way wrong reasons. Fi isn't for people who want cheap data. It's for people who want reliable service and not having to worry too much about dropped calls and just want to have phone service. Yes you can get cheap plans from other carriers but you're stuck to their towers and where they have service. With Fi you have 4 options. T, S, US and WiFi.
Fi for the win! ??
Jammol said:
If you don't like the idea of Fi, you're wanting to use it for the way wrong reasons. Fi isn't for people who want cheap data. It's for people who want reliable service and not having to worry too much about dropped calls and just want to have phone service. Yes you can get cheap plans from other carriers but you're stuck to their towers and where they have service. With Fi you have 4 options. T, S, US and WiFi.
Fi for the win! ??
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Click to collapse
I agree I came from at&t and never looking back, I love that fi has around the clock live customer service
In my country, unlimited LTE data is only about 25USD. and I'm not a frequent flyer.
so it's really too expensive for me.
but if it can lower it's base price, I'm willing to try it.
sakumaxp said:
I agree I came from at&t and never looking back, I love that fi has around the clock live customer service
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Click to collapse
We were trying to same some money when we switched from T-Mobile so Fi works great for my wife and I. We are thinking of Xfinity Mobile but they are stuck on Verizon. Plus they got that whole net neutrality thing going on. The deal is attractive as fudge though. If you're an Xfinity customer that has home internet, you'll only have to pay for the data you use. So for my wife and I, or Mobile bill will be $24 total. But... Verizon! ?
stone0504 said:
In my country, unlimited LTE data is only about 25USD. and I'm not a frequent flyer.
so it's really too expensive for me.
but if it can lower it's base price, I'm willing to try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need unlimited data I suggest sticking to your current service. I used to be one of those people that T-Mobile would cut off completely each month. Yeah, 200+GB most months. One month we are on Project Fi, and boy that was a total slap in my internet habits face. Turns out though, I actually only need to use 600mb of data a month because I'm always on WiFi at work, lol.
Still...Fi is a NVMO...so its gonna have multiple backend phone numbers (1 on each network) so more spam calls. (this is an issue with several people I know that use NVMOs)
.and the phone always searching and comparing multiple networks, so that would cause a bit more battery drain as the radios are more active than just locked to one band.
They need to catch up to the modern day times tough in price...to stay competitive. I read they are gonna offer a mid range price device compatible with Fi...so..they are doing...something.
speedingcheetah said:
Still...Fi is a NVMO...so its gonna have multiple backend phone numbers (1 on each network) so more spam calls. (this is an issue with several people I know that use NVMOs)
.and the phone always searching and comparing multiple networks, so that would cause a bit more battery drain as the radios are more active than just locked to one band.
They need to catch up to the modern day times tough in price...to stay competitive. I read they are gonna offer a mid range price device compatible with Fi...so..they are doing...something.
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Click to collapse
Yeah but my Pixel tells me when its a spam caller so its no big deal. Same amount as when i was on ATT really.
You can also anchor it on one carrier or another so it isnt switching constantly which is what I do only because of preference for Tmob coverage over Sprint in my area.
parakleet said:
Yeah but my Pixel tells me when its a spam caller so its no big deal. Same amount as when i was on ATT really.
You can also anchor it on one carrier or another so it isnt switching constantly which is what I do only because of preference for Tmob coverage over Sprint in my area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do u set it to use only one carrier?
As someone that has looked at most MVNOs, I'd say some possible selling points of FI might be for someone that:
1) Uses enough talk and text to justify unlimited talk and text, since some users don't actually need unlimited
2) Wants to limit their phone bill by not using a lot of data, since limiting data usage generally results in a lower bill at FI
3) Wants better coverage than just Sprint or T-Mobile native service, since there are probably cheaper options with Sprint or T-Mobile MVNOs that lack roaming
With that sort of criteria, the main competitors are probably going to be Verizon or AT&T MVNOs, although there may be a few other options like Twigby (Sprint MVNO with voice roaming). $20 is about where Verizon and AT&T MVNOs start with unlimited talk and text, and customers might get a bit of data. For example Boom Mobile begins at $20 for Verizon service and includes 250 MB with the option to add data that lasts 90 days. Like any service provider that only offers one plan, FI probably just doesn't fit your interests, since either #2 & #3 don't seem to be major considerations in your comments. It doesn't fit my usage either, simply because I don't use enough voice service that I need to pay $20 each and every month (#1).
Note: Currently there's probably no actual reason to use Twigby, since Sprint postpaid is offering a year of service for nearly free. The Pixel is one of the phones in the offer, so many users here could probably port to Sprint postpaid for nearly free service. Personally my main reason for passing on the free unlimited service from Sprint offer is that their limits for data roaming are rather low, and Verizon or AT&T have far more data coverage.
alluringreality said:
As someone that has looked at most MVNOs, I'd say some possible selling points of FI might be for someone that:
1) Uses enough talk and text to justify unlimited talk and text, since some users don't actually need unlimited
2) Wants to limit their phone bill by not using a lot of data, since limiting data usage generally results in a lower bill at FI
3) Wants better coverage than just Sprint or T-Mobile native service, since there are probably cheaper options with Sprint or T-Mobile MVNOs that lack roaming
With that sort of criteria, the main competitors are probably going to be Verizon or AT&T MVNOs, although there may be a few other options like Twigby (Sprint MVNO with voice roaming). $20 is about where Verizon and AT&T MVNOs start with unlimited talk and text, and customers might get a bit of data. For example Boom Mobile begins at $20 for Verizon service and includes 250 MB with the option to add data that lasts 90 days. Like any service provider that only offers one plan, FI probably just doesn't fit your interests, since either #2 & #3 don't seem to be major considerations in your comments. It doesn't fit my usage either, simply because I don't use enough voice service that I need to pay $20 each and every month (#1).
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Click to collapse
My mother uses Republic Wireless $10 unlimted talk/txt plan. No data. Great for her. U can get some data for $5 more. (discontinued 2.0 refund plans though)
Fi $20 off code: NV503E Now should be worth it
kolyan said:
Fi $20 off code: NV503E Now should be worth it
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Click to collapse
lol...not like a quick Google search wont find more than 100 Fi referral codes.
A one time $20 credit....
I would like to know how much the "real cost" is of Fi....that is...how much they charge for taxes and fees etc.
On my Tmobile Prepay...only thing is state sales tax...so $40 plan is $43.91
Duplicate post...wtf?
speedingcheetah said:
How do u set it to use only one carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FiSwitch
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cheekydevs.fiswitch&hl=en
Root makes it easier but is not required.

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