What EXACTLY is the difference between Verizon and AT&T???
I'm currently a verizon customer, but thinking about switching to at&t. Please tell me in layman's terms what exactly is the difference between the two. I know one is gsm and the other is cdma, but what makes one better than the other? Thanks for the lesson.
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They're both good companies. The advantages come from what your personal uses would be. Verizon works better for some people, and AT&T works better for some people. So...depends on what you expect out of your phone and service.
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What I expect from my carrier is: call clarity, no to very few dropped calls, variety, calling plans that are reasonable, and fast delivery when it comes to my messages.
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Verizon and att are on par with eachother when it comes to the network.
The main differences are:
att allows unlocked handsets and has a better more capable variety of phones
Also the rateplans are the SAME though with att you get rollover(saves customers tons of money). Its like why pay the same amount if you cant keep your minutes?
Ive also heard Verizons customer care isnt as good.
The CDMA network doesnt penatrate buildings as well as GSM. People say the calls are more "crisp" with cdma but I dont really see a difference.
The main differences are:
att allows unlocked handsets and has a better more capable variety of phones
Also the rateplans are the SAME though with att you get rollover(saves customers tons of money). Its like why pay the same amount if you cant keep your minutes?
Ive also heard Verizons customer care isnt as good.
The CDMA network doesnt penatrate buildings as well as GSM. People say the calls are more "crisp" with cdma but I dont really see a difference.
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What about coverage in rural areas? I sometimes travel to Iowa with my girlfriend. Our verizon service has never let us down. Does AT&T have good coverage in remote parts of the country?
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It goes both ways. In some places, AT&T is better. In some places, Verizon is better. My brother's AT&T phone does not work at my parents' house in Wyoming. That's one of the reasons I have Verizon. Again, it's personal preference on the needs of where and how you're going to use it. It would make more sense to talk to people in the areas you would be using the phone to see if they're happy with their AT&T/Verizon service. Either company should provide good coverage along the interstate.
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You can always check the coverage viewer to check our coverage in the places you travel to the most. I tend to think that at&t has excellent coverage, especially in rural areas.
Here's the link:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/ »
Here's the link:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/ »
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aber said:
You can always check the coverage viewer to check our coverage in the places you travel to the most. I tend to think that at&t has excellent coverage, especially in rural areas.
Here's the link:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/
ATT will reveal its coverage down to the street level on maps. Verizon still uses the big red blots on he US maps
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Service isn't always an indicator of quality of service though. Just because a company has service in an area doesn't mean that it's good. It could be roaming coverage or weak coverage that causes a lot of dropped calls. That's why I recommend talking to people in the area to get an idea of the service.
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That should read:
Sorry. I'm an idiot.
robtheman said:
Coverage isn't always an indicator of quality of service though.
Sorry. I'm an idiot.
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robtheman said:
Service isn't always an indicator of quality of service though. Just because a company has service in an area doesn't mean that it's good. It could be roaming coverage or weak coverage that causes a lot of dropped calls. That's why I recommend talking to people in the area to get an idea of the service.
Thats true but at least with ATT anyway you get to SEE where they claim service is weak to the street level before you go through the hassle of finding another carrier.
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That's true according to vzw's map the every square mile of the whole US is covered and it's their network. I think all carriers should be required to show their strong areas in one color but also give credit on their map to the companies the have no roam agreements with. This would shed a whole new light on vzw and their claims.
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Verizon's coverage locater (on their website) lets you view the coverage at street level. I'm not sure what your point is.
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robtheman said:
Verizon's coverage locater (on their website) lets you view the coverage at street level. I'm not sure what your point is.
Yeah but you had better decide What features you want first becasuse ALL features are not available on the entire voice network. There are places in the RED voice area where you cant send a photo message! YOu can't use GPS in Enhanced Extended Areas but you can send a photo IF you have a special plan blah blah..
Where as on the GSM network ALL services are available where voice is available. 3G is the only exception but you still have internet , just slower. Flexible and easy.
From the Verizon Map sight:
If you have a Nationwide Calling Plan: Picture/Video Me...
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...but they have a map that lets you view coverage at the street level. It's ok. You can admit you're wrong, and we can move on.
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Verizon's coverage map is worthless and confusing. All features are not available in all areas and are plan dependent in others......huh?
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It doesn't show signal strength. It could be 1 bar of 1xRTT only and it would still be dark red.
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Stick with Verizon they are superior! Better coverage better voice clarity plain and simple.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is the “branded†term referring to a particular use of TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) technology. GSM is the dominant technology used around the globe and is available in more than 100 countries. It is the standard for communication for most of Asia and Europe. GSM operates on four separate frequencies: You’ll find the 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands in Europe and Asia and the 850MHz and 1,900MHz (sometimes referred to as 1.9GHz) bands in North America and Latin America. GSM allows for eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency and uses “narrowband†TDMA,...
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GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is the “branded†term referring to a particular use of TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) technology. GSM is the dominant technology used around the globe and is available in more than 100 countries. It is the standard for communication for most of Asia and Europe. GSM operates on four separate frequencies: You’ll find the 900MHz and 1,800MHz bands in Europe and Asia and the 850MHz and 1,900MHz (sometimes referred to as 1.9GHz) bands in North America and Latin America. GSM allows for eight simultaneous calls on the same radio frequency and uses “narrowband†TDMA,...
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Far superior 😳
I drank the kool aid and switched from ATT to Verizon and I lasted all of 6 months before I switched back. There coverage was pretty identical across the board throughout southeast Texas but when it came to connecting to V-Cast, just crap! Cingular Video connected and played much more smoothly. My bill was also about $110 per month. I drank the kool aid and did not factor M2M into my equation. With that being said, it just depends on where you are and what are you needs. If most of your people are IN, then a switch might not be a wise decision. But I have been all through the southeast and west coast and the service was pretty good for me.
I drank the kool aid and switched from ATT to Verizon and I lasted all of 6 months before I switched back. There coverage was pretty identical across the board throughout southeast Texas but when it came to connecting to V-Cast, just crap! Cingular Video connected and played much more smoothly. My bill was also about $110 per month. I drank the kool aid and did not factor M2M into my equation. With that being said, it just depends on where you are and what are you needs. If most of your people are IN, then a switch might not be a wise decision. But I have been all through the southeast and west coast and the service was pretty good for me.
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not only that, but one of the founders of cdma is a famous actress, hedy lamarr.
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yeah ... do the math Joe. I bet your math would drive a company to bankruptcy.
KCMO816 - from what it seems, you are probably better off sticking with Verizon Wireless unless phone selection is a critical part of your decision. The reason why I say this is because you are already with Verizon Wireless and it works fine for you. Why bother going through all of the transition costs of moving from one provider to the other? Unless if there an actual net benifit in moving from one carrier to the other, you're better off sticking with your current one (whether it be VZW or AT&T).
KCMO816 - from what it seems, you are probably better off sticking with Verizon Wireless unless phone selection is a critical part of your decision. The reason why I say this is because you are already with Verizon Wireless and it works fine for you. Why bother going through all of the transition costs of moving from one provider to the other? Unless if there an actual net benifit in moving from one carrier to the other, you're better off sticking with your current one (whether it be VZW or AT&T).
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Yeah I don't think he was clear on why he was thinking of switching.
KCMO816- If you just feel like trying something new, I'd recommend against it. If you have some problems with the way VZW does things, then by all means, give at&t a shot. I'd recommend doing it right around the time you're gonna travel so you'll still be in your 30 days before you figure things out for sure.
KCMO816- If you just feel like trying something new, I'd recommend against it. If you have some problems with the way VZW does things, then by all means, give at&t a shot. I'd recommend doing it right around the time you're gonna travel so you'll still be in your 30 days before you figure things out for sure.
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You seem to have the backwards... VZW is the one that makes the most money and posts an accurate representation of themselves while AT&T makes less money and uses MNVO to make themselves appear larger than they really are.
Then again, you probably have no clue about history so have no idea what I am alluding at.
Then again, you probably have no clue about history so have no idea what I am alluding at.
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primus said:
You seem to have the backwards... VZW is the one that makes the most money and posts an accurate representation of themselves while AT&T makes less money and uses MNVO to make themselves appear larger than they really are.
Then again, you probably have no clue about history so have no idea what I am alluding at.
Show me a map down to the street level of Verizon's coverages. Anything other than that would not be considered accurate representation of themselves.
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tard...
Since avgjoe wont be able to understand anything written, for those people that want to know why VZW doesnt have something like that it is fairly simple. If you read around on the forums you will see posts from people that have used those types of maps and found them arent all that accurate as they are just engineer estimations, not true representations (just like any coverage map).
To create an accurate street level map it would cost so much no national carrier would ever do it.
Since avgjoe wont be able to understand anything written, for those people that want to know why VZW doesnt have something like that it is fairly simple. If you read around on the forums you will see posts from people that have used those types of maps and found them arent all that accurate as they are just engineer estimations, not true representations (just like any coverage map).
To create an accurate street level map it would cost so much no national carrier would ever do it.
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primus said:
tard...
Since avgjoe wont be able to understand anything written, for those people that want to know why VZW doesnt have something like that it is fairly simple. If you read around on the forums you will see posts from people that have used those types of maps and found them arent all that accurate as they are just engineer estimations, not true representations (just like any coverage map).
To create an accurate street level map it would cost so much no national carrier would ever do it.
Apparently this poster is not aware ATT DOES INDEED have a street level reception map and it IS reliable and pretty darn accurate.
This is not your US tri-fold InkBLot MAP Verizon uses.
Try it you...
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As the tard lacks the ability to understand anything, so everyone else whom has reading comprehension skills over a 2nd grade level, aka not avgjoe, here is what the AT&T site says about their coverage viewer:
Map may include areas served by unaffiliated carriers, and may depict their licensed area rather than an approximation of their coverage. Actual coverage area may differ substantially from map graphics, and coverage may be affected by such things as terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction, signal strength, customer equipment and other factors. AT&T does not guarantee coverage. Charges will be based on the location of the site receiving and transmitting the call, not the location of the subscriber. Your phone...
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Map may include areas served by unaffiliated carriers, and may depict their licensed area rather than an approximation of their coverage. Actual coverage area may differ substantially from map graphics, and coverage may be affected by such things as terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction, signal strength, customer equipment and other factors. AT&T does not guarantee coverage. Charges will be based on the location of the site receiving and transmitting the call, not the location of the subscriber. Your phone...
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oh yeah, and since the tard also lacks the ability to look up things on the internet and is posting as if VZW doesnt have an online way to look up coverage. Anyone that would like to see VZW coverage in their area may easily go to VZW's website at www.verizonwireless.com and click the link for "view coverage in your area" or follow this link here:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorCo ... »
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorCo ... »
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primus said:
oh yeah, and since the tard also lacks the ability to look up things on the internet and is posting as if VZW doesnt have an online way to look up coverage. Anyone that would like to see VZW coverage in their area may easily go to VZW's website at www.verizonwireless.com and click the link for "view coverage in your area" or follow this link here:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorCo ... »
Yeah I saw that there are no less than FIVE different map coverages depending on which particular Verizon service one wants to use...Extended digital services suck. Those are everyday services on the ENTIRE GSM network.
There aren't five different types of cover...
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You once again fail... you dont even know what extended digital means or where you would have it on the VZW coverage map.
And I dont know what everyday services you are talking about on a GSM network... seems how GSM is voice and text only you would be looking at voice calls and text...which oddly enough is available in the rare areas where a VZW customer would see "extended digital".. did you mean the GSM/GPRS/EDGE network?
And yes there are 5 different maps to use.. just like AT&T has 4. If AT&T had mediaflow available they would have 5 as well...
Are you like 10 or something? I honestly cant see you as being an adult, you fall into that "too stupid to live" category.
And I dont know what everyday services you are talking about on a GSM network... seems how GSM is voice and text only you would be looking at voice calls and text...which oddly enough is available in the rare areas where a VZW customer would see "extended digital".. did you mean the GSM/GPRS/EDGE network?
And yes there are 5 different maps to use.. just like AT&T has 4. If AT&T had mediaflow available they would have 5 as well...
Are you like 10 or something? I honestly cant see you as being an adult, you fall into that "too stupid to live" category.
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"If you have a Nationwide Calling Plan: Picture/Video Messaging, Mobile Web and Mobile Email works in both the Enhanced Services and Extended Enhanced Services coverage area; Push to Talk and VZ Navigator work in only the Enhanced Services coverage area.
If you have an America’s Choice Calling Plan: Picture/Video Messaging, Mobile Web, Mobile Email, Push to Talk and VZ Navigator work in only the Enhanced Services coverage area".
Apparently you have not read your own contract.
ATT has a GSM covergae map. ANYWHERE on that map ALL enhanced services are available...EVERYWHERE. There are no "ONLYs"
The exception is 3G and internet. IN Verizon's case there are areas apparently where you cannot use even the GSM or video messag...
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If you have an America’s Choice Calling Plan: Picture/Video Messaging, Mobile Web, Mobile Email, Push to Talk and VZ Navigator work in only the Enhanced Services coverage area".
Apparently you have not read your own contract.
ATT has a GSM covergae map. ANYWHERE on that map ALL enhanced services are available...EVERYWHERE. There are no "ONLYs"
The exception is 3G and internet. IN Verizon's case there are areas apparently where you cannot use even the GSM or video messag...
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primus said:...
As the tard lacks the ability to understand anything, so everyone else whom has reading comprehension skills over a 2nd grade level, aka not avgjoe, here is what the AT&T site says about their coverage viewer:
Map may include areas served by unaffiliated carriers, and may depict their licensed area rather than an approximation of their coverage. Actual coverage area may differ substantially from map graphics, and coverage may be affected by such things as terrain, weather, foliage, buildings and other construction, signal strength, customer equipment and other factors. AT&T does not guarantee coverage. Charges will be based on the location of the site receiving and transmitting the call, not the locat
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If you knew anything about how CDMA service worked (which you have shown time and time again that you dont) you would understand why VZWs street level coverage map that doesnt rate service in three categories is just as useful as AT&Ts.
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primus said:
If you knew anything about how CDMA service worked (which you have shown time and time again that you dont) you would understand why VZWs street level coverage map that doesnt rate service in three categories is just as useful as AT&Ts.
Not really. Either you have coverage or you don't.
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Sprint is CDMA as well and their map shows signal strength. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier to only show yes-no coverage rather than rate their signal strength in certain areas.
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I highly doubt you will get the answer you want here. robtheman said it best, it really depends on what is most important to you and where you live. You should try out AT&T and see if it works well for your coverage needs where you live.
After that decide if you like the phones available with AT&T. Remember, any GSM phone with the two US frequencies will work for you on AT&T. Verizon currently does have limitations but has stated they will allow more flexibility in the future.
The rates are basicaly the same between the two. If you usage varies, rollover will be of some benefit. If you never go over your minutes rollover will be of little use. AT&T also has Unity which is the same price but allows mobile to landline calling for ...
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After that decide if you like the phones available with AT&T. Remember, any GSM phone with the two US frequencies will work for you on AT&T. Verizon currently does have limitations but has stated they will allow more flexibility in the future.
The rates are basicaly the same between the two. If you usage varies, rollover will be of some benefit. If you never go over your minutes rollover will be of little use. AT&T also has Unity which is the same price but allows mobile to landline calling for ...
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The differences between the companies are fairly minor. Per consumer reports and JD power and assoc, VZW scores much better in customer service and quality of service.
VZW has the lowest chrun (that is the percentage of customers leaving each month) in the industry.
VZW has the largest retail customer base (more people to use in network calling with).
With the most important aspects of wireless service for people being cost and coverage it makes it a little harder. For cost, AT&T and VZW are almost the same. VZW is lower for some services and AT&T lower for others. The calling plan portions are going to be the same cost for minutes.
For coverage it will depend on your area and no map is going to tell you how your cov...
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VZW has the lowest chrun (that is the percentage of customers leaving each month) in the industry.
VZW has the largest retail customer base (more people to use in network calling with).
With the most important aspects of wireless service for people being cost and coverage it makes it a little harder. For cost, AT&T and VZW are almost the same. VZW is lower for some services and AT&T lower for others. The calling plan portions are going to be the same cost for minutes.
For coverage it will depend on your area and no map is going to tell you how your cov...
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well i'm a currently under verizon and im thinking of switching to at&t why b/c verizon's plans are wayy to expensive and im looking to get a BB preferbably a BB Curve i'm soooo in love w/it and verizon there phones just suck and there plans are too expensive im looking into at&t b/c there plans are less cheaper but i really dont know what i should do.....
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Get some temp numbers and try out ATT! If you love the service port over your verizon numbers, it's easy- done deal. You'll never know unless you take the plunge! Good luck!
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