Cingular vs. Verizon?
My wife has Cingular. I've got Verizon. We're finally about to get on the same plan. Which way to go? I've been with VW for 5-6 years and have been satisfied but I've never been with another carrier. She hasn't used her phone much but recently had some problems with it and unresponsive customer service (brick & mortar guys). I was going to bring her to VW but am now considering Cingular because of bundling cost advantages. I'd love to hear opinions on how the two compare. I don't care about ringtones. What's important to me is the clarity of the reception and dependable service availability. We live in So. California. Are there any other resources I could consult/research? Lastly, if I do go with Cingular, which phones are recommended - basi...
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I definitely recommend Verizon over Cingular. Especially in So. California. That's CDMA country. Qualcomm is based in San Diego.....
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There are three different cell phone network technologies. GSM (Cigular/T-Mobile), CDMA (VZW, Alltel, Sprint, USCC), iDen (former Nextel). So. Cal is CDMA country because Qualcomm is the company who invented it and is always testing the latest features of CDMA around their base. It is also the oldest market for CDMA (more stable).
GSM- Groupe Special Mobile/Global System for Mobile Communication
CDMA- Code division multiple access.
iDen- Integrated Digital Enhanced Network, made by motorola back in the day
GSM was implemented in 1991-92. CDMA was implemented in late 1995. iDen i'm not sure about.
In my opinion CDMA is the superior technology and also provides the most coverage out of any other technology in the United State...
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GSM- Groupe Special Mobile/Global System for Mobile Communication
CDMA- Code division multiple access.
iDen- Integrated Digital Enhanced Network, made by motorola back in the day
GSM was implemented in 1991-92. CDMA was implemented in late 1995. iDen i'm not sure about.
In my opinion CDMA is the superior technology and also provides the most coverage out of any other technology in the United State...
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Wow. Thanks so much for the tutorial. I've been surfing for the last couple hours looking for this info and only learned a fraction of what you just so generously gave me. Is sound quality/ reception better in either technology or about the same?
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The only time there is a big difference is when there are lots of users sharing a CDMA channel.
Either is good though some may say GSM is better while others swear CDMA is better. Only thing I can suggest is you try them both.
Either is good though some may say GSM is better while others swear CDMA is better. Only thing I can suggest is you try them both.
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No problem.
They are actually very similar in quality when the network is being used at the same capacity and signal strength is the same.
There are some people that say the fidelity (realness sounding) is better with GSM. But it really is a very negligible difference and it depends on the user. Different people report different things on that.
So really they are about the same as far as sound quality goes. There are some local carriers that build their networks poorly and give both technologies a bad name. Often this will cause people to swear that one is "terrible" while the other is "awesome". With Verizon and Alltel build their networks extremely well and this isn't really a problem with them. Sprint is a little different beca...
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They are actually very similar in quality when the network is being used at the same capacity and signal strength is the same.
There are some people that say the fidelity (realness sounding) is better with GSM. But it really is a very negligible difference and it depends on the user. Different people report different things on that.
So really they are about the same as far as sound quality goes. There are some local carriers that build their networks poorly and give both technologies a bad name. Often this will cause people to swear that one is "terrible" while the other is "awesome". With Verizon and Alltel build their networks extremely well and this isn't really a problem with them. Sprint is a little different beca...
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I have worked for BOTH companies and I think I can speak about both co.'s. In reality, they're both pretty solid. I currently work for and more importantly BELIEVE IN Cingulars network more...for advanced users and those that are really interested the future of wireless. For the average consumer, either one would be fine. What cannot be disputed is that GSM offers the best voice quality while CDMA is better suited to data, this is why WCDMA is in the 2100mHz frequency and only used for data, not voice. Look at it this way...GSM is a world standard and CDMA is primarily in the US and a few other smaller countries. GSM has about 23B subscribers while CDMA has a little over 3.4B subscribers...where do you think the majority of the R and D...
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Actually, Alltel has the largest per square mile network as of right now. Cingular does cover the most population though.
CDMA is in more then just a few small countries. The only reason that it has not caught in Europe is because they decide to not allow CDMA and make GSM a standard for the continent. This eliminates the potential for competition.
The concept of CDMA is the superior technology compared to GSM. But because of, as you said the R&D from international sources it has better phones and is much quicker at getting the latest features, GSM has a bigger future because of this. GSM itself is not going to get much greater, but UMTS, WDCMA are. For CDMA it will likely be OFDMA.
Cingular's claim of fewest dropped calls is high...
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CDMA is in more then just a few small countries. The only reason that it has not caught in Europe is because they decide to not allow CDMA and make GSM a standard for the continent. This eliminates the potential for competition.
The concept of CDMA is the superior technology compared to GSM. But because of, as you said the R&D from international sources it has better phones and is much quicker at getting the latest features, GSM has a bigger future because of this. GSM itself is not going to get much greater, but UMTS, WDCMA are. For CDMA it will likely be OFDMA.
Cingular's claim of fewest dropped calls is high...
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Your post was actually filled with a lot of misinformation.
Firstly, where did you ever hear that CDMA is better suited to data? That's completely untrue. Neither technolgoy (GSM or CDMA) is technically "better" at data than the other. And as far as WCDMA goes, it does both voice and data simultaneously (as opposed to just data, as you stated).
Secondly, WCDMA utilizes the standard 850mhz and 1900mhz in the US, not the 2100mhz frequency.
Finally, your figures for GSM and CDMA users worldwide are entirely skewed. It honestly sounds as though you pulled most of your "information" out of thin air. How could GSM possibly have 23 billion subscribers worldwide when the world's population is hovering around 6.5 billion?
I think you're a...
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Firstly, where did you ever hear that CDMA is better suited to data? That's completely untrue. Neither technolgoy (GSM or CDMA) is technically "better" at data than the other. And as far as WCDMA goes, it does both voice and data simultaneously (as opposed to just data, as you stated).
Secondly, WCDMA utilizes the standard 850mhz and 1900mhz in the US, not the 2100mhz frequency.
Finally, your figures for GSM and CDMA users worldwide are entirely skewed. It honestly sounds as though you pulled most of your "information" out of thin air. How could GSM possibly have 23 billion subscribers worldwide when the world's population is hovering around 6.5 billion?
I think you're a...
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I'm much happier with cingular. I actually decided to pay off the rest of my verizon and switch to cingular early (it was cheaper than early termination). I've noticed that if you're talking to someone on a landline, or another GSM customer, the voice quality is amazing. On the other hand, when someone with verizon calls me, I have trouble hearing them a lot of the time. Also, I've been impressed with Cingular's coverage. Other members of my family still have verizon, and a few months ago, I was in the south-west with them. Well, my phone (cingular) worked in many more places than my family's verizon phones. My phone worked everywhere that verizon did, and then places where verizon didn't. Then in my home area, I have found similar things. ...
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Well personal experience beside...
They rest of the world chose GSM because it is an older and more stable technology. It is also cheaper to implement because of the large number of people behind it. They will also soon be upgrading to UMTS or otherwise known as WCDMA. Because they will sending the signal across the frequency instead of wasting all the spectrum.
They rest of the world chose GSM because it is an older and more stable technology. It is also cheaper to implement because of the large number of people behind it. They will also soon be upgrading to UMTS or otherwise known as WCDMA. Because they will sending the signal across the frequency instead of wasting all the spectrum.
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also...
The only place without CDMA and with GSM is Europe. There are many countries that have implemented CDMA (ie India) and had to build a gsm overlay because of the cost. This is partly Qualcomm's fault because they charge too much for companies to use it.
The only place without CDMA and with GSM is Europe. There are many countries that have implemented CDMA (ie India) and had to build a gsm overlay because of the cost. This is partly Qualcomm's fault because they charge too much for companies to use it.
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Hi fishguy,
I am in almost the exact same situation as you. My wife and I have both been Verizon customers for around 10 years now. I've always been very satisfies with the service, but I like the phone choices and "Roll-Over" offered by Cingular. About 2 months ago, my wife's work decided to provide her with a cell phone through the company. She had the option to chose the phone and carrier. After comparing many things, she decided on Cingular. She got an awesome phone and a good calling plan with "Roll-Over". She regrets every minute of it. 😢 She said the service is lousy compared to Verizon. She used to make calls from her VZ phone all day long from just about anywhere. Now she has to search for sweet spots. It's like she...
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I am in almost the exact same situation as you. My wife and I have both been Verizon customers for around 10 years now. I've always been very satisfies with the service, but I like the phone choices and "Roll-Over" offered by Cingular. About 2 months ago, my wife's work decided to provide her with a cell phone through the company. She had the option to chose the phone and carrier. After comparing many things, she decided on Cingular. She got an awesome phone and a good calling plan with "Roll-Over". She regrets every minute of it. 😢 She said the service is lousy compared to Verizon. She used to make calls from her VZ phone all day long from just about anywhere. Now she has to search for sweet spots. It's like she...
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LMAO!!! 🤣 come on! "hates every minute of it" "Sweet spots" "calling plan is useless if you can't make calls"
What kind of statements are those?
That's a lie and you know it. Please! You make it sound like there was no Cingular service ANYWHERE. The totally unaware reader would think that Cingular has only 4 towers. One in the NE, SE, NW and SW of the USA. This reader right here is very aware and refutes those statements; "your wife" made. 😉
What kind of statements are those?
That's a lie and you know it. Please! You make it sound like there was no Cingular service ANYWHERE. The totally unaware reader would think that Cingular has only 4 towers. One in the NE, SE, NW and SW of the USA. This reader right here is very aware and refutes those statements; "your wife" made. 😉
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Anxiovert said:
LMAO!!! 🤣 come on! "hates every minute of it" "Sweet spots" "calling plan is useless if you can't make calls"
What kind of statements are those?
That's a lie and you know it. Please! You make it sound like there was no Cingular service ANYWHERE. The totally unaware reader would think that Cingular has only 4 towers. One in the NE, SE, NW and SW of the USA. This reader right here is very aware and refutes those statements; "your wife" made. 😉
I'm really sorry if it hurts you to hear that someone's honest experience with Cingular has not been a good one. Obviously she is able to use her phone most of the time. But my wife is not some teenager gabbing with friends. If she's o...
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Actually he attacked you because you posted in a way that exaggurated the problems of Cingular and made Verizon seem like God in comparison.
That's not called an honest opinion. That's called Propaganda.
Oh btw, it's common knowledge that Verizon's network in Southern California performs better.
That's not called an honest opinion. That's called Propaganda.
Oh btw, it's common knowledge that Verizon's network in Southern California performs better.
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sangyup81 said:
Actually he attacked you because you posted in a way that exaggurated the problems of Cingular and made Verizon seem like God in comparison.
Verizon is no God...that you can be sure of. I think the way they market their phones & plans borders on criminal. I hate doing business with them because of the crap they pull to make a bigger profit. But the bottom line is this...I carry a cell phone so I can make and receive calls. That happens more reliably with Verizon. I'm sure there are many happy Cingular customers. My wife would probably be satisfied with Cingular had she not gotten used to Verizon.
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You never mentioned which state you use your cellphone in. Is it in California as well?
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No, and that could easily make all the difference. I am in PA near the MD boarder. The thing is, both Cingular and Verizon claim this area as "total coverage". In other words, the service for both carriers around here is supposedly as good as it gets for each of them.
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I'm from MD. I coulda told you to go with Verizon if you are in the MD-PA border near Hagarstown.
I now live in VA and I dropped Verizon for Cingular due to coverage issues. Now that I think about it, it could have been because I was using an LG VX8100 but Cingular and the Motorola E1 ROKR did the job for me!
I now live in VA and I dropped Verizon for Cingular due to coverage issues. Now that I think about it, it could have been because I was using an LG VX8100 but Cingular and the Motorola E1 ROKR did the job for me!
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I've never had problems with Cingular along the PA-MD border, and especially not in Hagarstown.
Since when is this a problem?
Since when is this a problem?
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WonkotheSane said:
What kind of phone did your wife get?
She got the Samsung D-807 slider. It's a really nice phone.
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the_eraser said:
...and with horrible reception...
Are you being sarcastic, or do you really believe the D-807 has horrible reception? When we were looking into what phone she should get, the D-807 was getting favorable reviews in terms of reception. It's the same old question....when a phone isn't getting great reception, is it the phone or the service?
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It could be the phone. I have the phone and it's reception is not as good as my previous 2 Cingular phones (RAZR and SE 610). There has been a noticable difference. In my area, Cingular is one of, if not the best here but that phone does not do the network justice. But that is in my area, you could just be in an area with poor coverage. All carriers are have their problem spots.
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Look, what you are doing is comparing apples and oranges, in SO CAL i can promise you that you will see no coverage difference, as a rep that has worked for a gsm carrier and a CDMA carrier i can assure you that any where that is popluation 10,000+ you will have almost identical coverage, if you live in upper montana or idaho, verizon might have a slight advantage due to a roaming agreement with BOONDOCK tel. co or something, but cingular advantage by far outway that small factor, way better handsets, data features, rollover, similar plans, true nation coverage (not perferred network like cdma carriers), PTT and the roll out of UMTS.. basically what i am saying is that dont let a few verizon cheerleaders make your decision, get the cingy pho...
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mrbeebe228 said:
... i can assure you that any where that is popluation 10,000+ you will have almost identical coverage, .... basically what i am saying is that dont let a few verizon cheerleaders make your decision, get the cingy phone for the 30 day trial and find out for yourself...
First of all, I'm no "Verizon Cheerleader". As a matter of fact, I'm the one who pushed my wife to go Cingular because I thought I would be doing the same in December. There are many things about Verizon that I do not like. I was really hoping my wife would love Cingular and the switch would be a positive thing. It simply wasn't. We do not live in an isolated area. We live in a mid-size town with many large cities close ...
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Cingular service always seem to bug people after the 30 days are up 🤣
30 days is the longest trial period in the industry!
What more can you ask for?
30 days is the longest trial period in the industry!
What more can you ask for?
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what are you wanting people to say? It seems like your mind is made up that you like Verizon why post this here to debate? If you're wife thinks Verizon is better switch I don't understand what the need is to come here and ask questions that you seen to all ready know the answer to. Why is she so unhappy with Cingular, what phone does she have? You can't expect the free lg to hold a flame reception wise to an 810 or other high end phones. My wifes free Verizon LG sucks as far as reception and I always mess with her and pull out my Cingular phone and make calls where she can't. you get what you pay for.
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uscingulair said:
what are you wanting people to say? It seems like your mind is made up that you like Verizon why post this here to debate? If you're wife thinks Verizon is better switch I don't understand what the need is to come here and ask questions that you seen to all ready know the answer to. Why is she so unhappy with Cingular, what phone does she have? You can't expect the free lg to hold a flame reception wise to an 810 or other high end phones. My wifes free Verizon LG sucks as far as reception and I always mess with her and pull out my Cingular phone and make calls where she can't. you get what you pay for.
I didn't start this thread. I saw "Cingular vs. Verizon" and someone who was about...
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it is definitely the sammy. If you did read the reviews you would see that the two things people bitch about is the sound level being to low and.....low and behold BAD RECEPTION. and I read that here on phonescoop. I have not ever seen a positive review for this phone. I don't even like to sell them. Being with Cingy for over three years I get to test all the phones and that gets worst reception that the freebies. You are basically paying for a nice screen and music features that they don't even give you a data cable or memory card for. Not to dis your wifes phone but don't judge Cingular or our reception by that phone. sorry If you would have come into my store I would of offered you something better, or at least warned you of the s...
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I owned the 807 for a month. In DFW it was horrible for reception. It's a quiet phone too, which I can live with, but the lack of signal made it unbearable.
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like I tell people spend a little more and go with the 810 or w300 even the cu500. but LG pisses me off cause the cu 500 is such a high end phone and they don't give you and memory or cables. but on the other hand I don't mind selling them a 40.00 cable with there phone 😈
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it doesn't come with the cables or cards, but it's $50 cheaper than the phones that do come with the cables and cards. It all evens out.
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the agent price was just dropped by $50! i knew agents were paying too much for them!
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the v3i just dropped by $60!
Actually, I think we got more in our last price list than they intended to send us. It had the cost for COR stores and then what they sell them to agents for. It also went in to expense the amount invested into MIRs (since most are 50/50 carrier and manufacturer). They're selling us the CU500 at a loss right now, presumably to promote UMTS. They're paying $40 more for the phone than we're buying it from them for.
Actually, I think we got more in our last price list than they intended to send us. It had the cost for COR stores and then what they sell them to agents for. It also went in to expense the amount invested into MIRs (since most are 50/50 carrier and manufacturer). They're selling us the CU500 at a loss right now, presumably to promote UMTS. They're paying $40 more for the phone than we're buying it from them for.
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Yep, but the mark up on that is only $15. I just find it hilarious that they sent this stuff to me. Honestly it's made me a little kinder to them, because I know they're not screwing us on everything. Some phones have a mark up, and some have a discount. They spread it out for us.
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mrbeebe228 said:
way better handsets, data features, rollover, similar plans, true nation coverage (not perferred network like cdma carriers), PTT and the roll out of UMTS.. basically what i am saying is that dont let a few verizon cheerleaders make your decision, get the cingy phone for the 30 day trial and find out for yourself...58.7 million people can't be wrong..
MY THOUGHTS... not a bash against Cingular...
Better handsets?
I think thats a matter of opinion... Almost every phone Verizon has is superior when it comes to features and 3G technology..IMO that is .. 🙂
Data features??
Verizon has more data content than Cingular... EV-DO speeds are great!
PTT??
Cingular does have the upperhand...
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fishyguy said:...
My wife has Cingular. I've got Verizon. We're finally about to get on the same plan. Which way to go? I've been with VW for 5-6 years and have been satisfied but I've never been with another carrier. She hasn't used her phone much but recently had some problems with it and unresponsive customer service (brick & mortar guys). I was going to bring her to VW but am now considering Cingular because of bundling cost advantages. I'd love to hear opinions on how the two compare. I don't care about ringtones. What's important to me is the clarity of the reception and dependable service availability. We live in So. California. Are there any other resources I could consult/research? Lastly, if I do go with Cingular,
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fishyguy said:
Thanks, what is 3G?
3G is 3rd generation wireless which is broadband data services. Cingular's high speed data network has not yet launched in LA. Verizon has EDVO, this has been available in LA for some time.
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Thanks again. Good to know, but I'm not a 3G/EDVO kind of guy- yet... maybe next year. Your info was very helpful for me, homey. I appreciate your time. I haven't decided yet which carrier to go with. Our contracts don't expire for another 30 days. Verizon, if your listening, I wish that you had a $59 Family Plan like the other guys. That $10 difference plus bundling discounts of $8, plus roll-over minutes is making it difficult to stay. Let's talk.
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http://www.cingular.com/coverageviewer/ »
And purchase a good phone. If you are going for low end, stick with Nokia non-flip phones. Sony Ericssons otherwise.
And purchase a good phone. If you are going for low end, stick with Nokia non-flip phones. Sony Ericssons otherwise.
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OR check out this site. just enter your zip code and get reviews from people in that area...
http://www.cellreception.com/ »
http://www.cellreception.com/ »
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Matt gave his honest opinion about verizon working better for him, what could possibly inspire you to care? There is a carrier for everyone, all these forums could accomplish allot more if people would stop defending their carrier.
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wrong, he gave the opinion of his wife
his wife was frustrated with Cingular and even more frustrated because she didn't leave within the 30 days
sorry but we have to point that out
his wife was frustrated with Cingular and even more frustrated because she didn't leave within the 30 days
sorry but we have to point that out
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sangyup81 said:
wrong, he gave the opinion of his wife
his wife was frustrated with Cingular and even more frustrated because she didn't leave within the 30 days
sorry but we have to point that out
That's true. I posted my wife's experience, not mine. But have you ever heard the expression, "If mama aint happy, aint nobody happy"!! 😕
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Thats cool but just because its his wife opinion doesn't mean any less valid, cingular is great, verizon is great, etc I would just hope more people would take a step back once in awhile, I don't care if anyone thinks my provider is crap, it works for me fine, I know you feel me. 🙂
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T-mobile?
T-mobile has many things going well for them.
I love that their total internet packages include hotspot (especially since I work right next to a Starbucks!)
T-mobile has many things going well for them.
I love that their total internet packages include hotspot (especially since I work right next to a Starbucks!)
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Yes i find it quite funny how when one feels that their carrier is being "dissed" so to speak, they treat it like it was a personal attack on their mother. I'm with tmobile because they have provided me with satisfactory service thus far although like above poster has stated, it is not for everyone.
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My sister lives in So. Cal and has had T-Mobile, Cingular, and Verizon. She works in Ontario and lives in Yerba Linda (something like that). She has found that without a doubt, Verizon has the best coverage out there. I work for Cingular and when I'm out there, her phone does get better reception than mine. It's just a matter of personal preference!! Geez!
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go with Verizon Wireless.
they have a better voice network, Better customer service, better phone upgrade options, better support, better data network.
you get the point, better.
also coming mid november VZW will be introducing prorated ETF's. they will be the first major US carrier to do so. pretty much for every month into your contract you get 5$ off of the ETF
so 12 months into your contract if you feel the need to cancel instead of 175$ it would be 115$. No other carrier has the confidence to do this.
they have a better voice network, Better customer service, better phone upgrade options, better support, better data network.
you get the point, better.
also coming mid november VZW will be introducing prorated ETF's. they will be the first major US carrier to do so. pretty much for every month into your contract you get 5$ off of the ETF
so 12 months into your contract if you feel the need to cancel instead of 175$ it would be 115$. No other carrier has the confidence to do this.
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