How about that story in Consumer Reports?
The new Cingular was dead nuts last in almost every way in their survey. Worse than Sprint and T-Mobile. I was very surprised.
Over the years, I have had cell phone service with Verizon, Sprint, Cellular One, Cingular, AT&T (TDMA long before the merger) and Nextel. Out of all those, I currently have service with Verizon and Cingular - the two I like the best and am most satisfied with.
Is T-Mobile coming of age? Is it really that good or is this survey screwed up somehow? I can't believe Sprint did as well as they did.
Comments?
Over the years, I have had cell phone service with Verizon, Sprint, Cellular One, Cingular, AT&T (TDMA long before the merger) and Nextel. Out of all those, I currently have service with Verizon and Cingular - the two I like the best and am most satisfied with.
Is T-Mobile coming of age? Is it really that good or is this survey screwed up somehow? I can't believe Sprint did as well as they did.
Comments?
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I know this guy who a year ago had service with TMobile. At that time AT&T came out with the SE T616 at about $99.99 with a 2 year commitment. He called his provider and questioned his contract end date prompting the representative to be alert and trickle a save attempt.
When he explained that AT&T was offering such phone on the web for $99.99 no shipping or activation fees, the representative summoned his/her supervisor who made a final offer for same phone offer plus an additional 10% off the phone. With this offer the deal was closed and this guy remained with TMobile for another 12 months.
I don't know if TMobile has such flexibility protocol, but for sure did work for this guy.
When he explained that AT&T was offering such phone on the web for $99.99 no shipping or activation fees, the representative summoned his/her supervisor who made a final offer for same phone offer plus an additional 10% off the phone. With this offer the deal was closed and this guy remained with TMobile for another 12 months.
I don't know if TMobile has such flexibility protocol, but for sure did work for this guy.
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That "survey" was done 2 months before the merger. So, the "new cingular" wasnt in question. As to the survey itself: I have had 4 people since yesterday come up to me in the store and ask "WHY???". They are just as confused as I am. All of those customers say they swithed from other carriers that were terrible and now enjoy their Cingular service. Just visit the BBB... Sprint has more complaints than any other carrier, but they did better than Cingular??? Come on, that's just nonsense. I think that magazine belongs in the trash. It has absolutely no validity. Local newspapers around the country have done similar polls and cingular usually does quite well. i think Verizon has a better reputation and that's why they score well.
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PhoenixAshes said:...
That "survey" was done 2 months before the merger. So, the "new cingular" wasnt in question. As to the survey itself: I have had 4 people since yesterday come up to me in the store and ask "WHY???". They are just as confused as I am. All of those customers say they swithed from other carriers that were terrible and now enjoy their Cingular service. Just visit the BBB... Sprint has more complaints than any other carrier, but they did better than Cingular??? Come on, that's just nonsense. I think that magazine belongs in the trash. It has absolutely no validity. Local newspapers around the country have done similar polls and cingular usually does quite well. i think Verizon has a better reputation and tha
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muchdrama said:...PhoenixAshes said:
That "survey" was done 2 months before the merger. So, the "new cingular" wasnt in question. As to the survey itself: I have had 4 people since yesterday come up to me in the store and ask "WHY???". They are just as confused as I am. All of those customers say they swithed from other carriers that were terrible and now enjoy their Cingular service. Just visit the BBB... Sprint has more complaints than any other carrier, but they did better than Cingular??? Come on, that's just nonsense. I think that magazine belongs in the trash. It has absolutely no validity. Local newspapers around the country have done similar polls and cingular usually does quite well. i think Ver
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PhoenixAshes:
You've observed, the "survey" was done 2 months before the merger." Since opinions of the 39,000 Consumer Reports subscriber/respondants have clearly demonstrated that BOTH Cingular AND AT&T Wireless were less-than-stellar performers, I believe that we are back to the point that the marriage proves that Two Wrongs still Do Not Make A Right.
If anything, the growing pains associated with the merger have made things measurably worse. At least in the short term.
You've observed, the "survey" was done 2 months before the merger." Since opinions of the 39,000 Consumer Reports subscriber/respondants have clearly demonstrated that BOTH Cingular AND AT&T Wireless were less-than-stellar performers, I believe that we are back to the point that the marriage proves that Two Wrongs still Do Not Make A Right.
If anything, the growing pains associated with the merger have made things measurably worse. At least in the short term.
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f38urry said:
PhoenixAshes:
You've observed, the "survey" was done 2 months before the merger." Since opinions of the 39,000 Consumer Reports subscriber/respondants have clearly demonstrated that BOTH Cingular AND AT&T Wireless were less-than-stellar performers, I believe that we are back to the point that the marriage proves that Two Wrongs still Do Not Make A Right.
If anything, the growing pains associated with the merger have made things measurably worse. At least in the short term.
I think that's the exact same thing that ATT wireless said about the newly formed Verizon. Airtouch/GTE/Atlantic wireless were some of the worst companies around, but they combined and became the domin...
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Uhm... We went from the article being a good read... To you claiming it's word is law... Though I know Consumer Reports has a great reputation... I also have to interfere with this argument...
You have to understand that most everyone against this poll works in the wireless industry... It is not just reps from the lower ranked companies as implied... Reps of all companies have spoken against the poll... Some of us, like myself, simply accepted the poll for what it was... a poll... It's nothing that will be used for advertising purposes by any company... for it is... still a poll...
Why is most everyone so outspoken towards this poll? Once again, most of us work in the wireless industry and we see reports and access other information th...
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You have to understand that most everyone against this poll works in the wireless industry... It is not just reps from the lower ranked companies as implied... Reps of all companies have spoken against the poll... Some of us, like myself, simply accepted the poll for what it was... a poll... It's nothing that will be used for advertising purposes by any company... for it is... still a poll...
Why is most everyone so outspoken towards this poll? Once again, most of us work in the wireless industry and we see reports and access other information th...
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I don't trust Consumer Reports for sh*t. They test stuff that's not on the market anymore most of the time, and they don't really tell you how they're testing it!
If they won't tell me how they're testing the product, I won't trust them.
If they won't tell me how they're testing the product, I won't trust them.
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Why would they tell YOU how they do their testing? Will any cellphone manufacturer tell YOU how they test their phones? Consumer Reports has a well deserved reputation for independent, non-biased, non-commercial, product testing and reporting for over a half century.
If you don't trust them, you should examine your motives.
The current Consumer Reports article that we are discussing, has nothing to do with the publication's testing. They have simply compiled and published the results of a survey in which 39,000 (THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND) cellphone users answered questions about their own personal experiences with their cellular carriers.
If you don't trust them, you should examine your motives.
The current Consumer Reports article that we are discussing, has nothing to do with the publication's testing. They have simply compiled and published the results of a survey in which 39,000 (THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND) cellphone users answered questions about their own personal experiences with their cellular carriers.
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Why would they explain how they test the phones? The reason is simple: Every other tech mag worth their weight in gold explains exactly how they test the stuff.
Examples:
PC Magazine
Maximum PC
I could go on and on...
Examples:
PC Magazine
Maximum PC
I could go on and on...
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dlayphoto said:
Why would they explain how they test the phones? The reason is simple: Every other tech mag worth their weight in gold explains exactly how they test the stuff.
Examples:
PC Magazine
Maximum PC
I could go on and on...
Yeah, but as the editor-in-chief for Consumer Reports, he has to make you think his magazine is perfect and flawless. 🤣 🤣
And yeah I agree with you. Most magazines will tell you how the tests were done. Consumer Reports also tells how they test products, but this wasn't a test, it was a survey. And if I remember correctly, it was a survey of Consumer Reports subscribers. CR has given the top nod to Verizon since Verizon became Verizon, so naturally, it'...
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I concur!
Even if they do explain how they test the products, most of the stuff they test is already off the market or about to be discontinued...
Even if they do explain how they test the products, most of the stuff they test is already off the market or about to be discontinued...
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dlayphoto said:
I concur!
Even if they do explain how they test the products, most of the stuff they test is already off the market or about to be discontinued...
Exactly. I remember an actual TEST done by one of our local news stations when I lived in dallas that said Tmobile and Cingular were 1 and 2. It wasn't "scientific". They just bought prepaid phones and went around the metro and made calls.
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Now that part I have noticed with CR as well. Its mostly with electronics. The household goods that they test are usually dead on. The nature of that is because they test about 6 months before that paticular arcticle ever gets published. 3 Months to test, 3 months to publish. It sucks yeah. Also you have to remember that CR is a jack of all trades, master of none type of magazine. Their forte is housewares.
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Dan717:
You've observed that Consumer Reports' "forte is housewares". While we agree that they do a great job in that area, let's not ignore the invaluable information provided by their automobile testing and their automobile reliability reporting based upon the detailed questionnaires submitted annually by over a half million subscribers.
CR also is heavily involved in in depth studies and reportage of travel, health, investment, insurance, energy, telecommunications, etc. issues.
You've observed that Consumer Reports' "forte is housewares". While we agree that they do a great job in that area, let's not ignore the invaluable information provided by their automobile testing and their automobile reliability reporting based upon the detailed questionnaires submitted annually by over a half million subscribers.
CR also is heavily involved in in depth studies and reportage of travel, health, investment, insurance, energy, telecommunications, etc. issues.
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True, True I did forget about that. I tend to agree with much of CR says though and do take their suggestions. Because of this I haven't been burnt once. I made the housewares reference because thats what they seem to test the most and they are dead on in that area.
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f38urry said:I'm beginning to think you're Public Relations with CR.
Dan717:
You've observed that Consumer Reports' "forte is housewares". While we agree that they do a great job in that area, let's not ignore the invaluable information provided by their automobile testing and their automobile reliability reporting based upon the detailed questionnaires submitted annually by over a half million subscribers.
CR also is heavily involved in in depth studies and reportage of travel, health, investment, insurance, energy, telecommunications, etc. issues.
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My mother probably subscribed to CR back in the 1940's and I've been an avid reader and advocate as far back as I can remember. They know what they are doing, and do it well.
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f38urry said:I'll agree with that statement.
My mother probably subscribed to CR back in the 1940's and I've been an avid reader and advocate as far back as I can remember. They know what they are doing, and do it well.
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f38urry said:
My mother probably subscribed to CR back in the 1940's and I've been an avid reader and advocate as far back as I can remember. They know what they are doing, and do it well.
f38urry:
You have observed, that Consumer Reports is the Gospel and Jesus Christ conducted the survey. I believe you would Sell said mother if Consumer Reports conducted a survey that reported your mother was useless.
Now do us all a favor and read a issue of Hustler to relieve all of your stuffiness. I doubt you will because Consumer Reports doesn't say it's ok to do so.
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PhoenixAshes said:C'mon, man...let's not crawl into the gutter with tasteless comments like this one.f38urry said:
My mother probably subscribed to CR back in the 1940's and I've been an avid reader and advocate as far back as I can remember. They know what they are doing, and do it well.
f38urry:
You have observed, that Consumer Reports is the Gospel and Jesus Christ conducted the survey. I believe you would Sell said mother if Consumer Reports conducted a survey that reported your mother was useless.
Now do us all a favor and read a issue of Hustler to relieve all of your stuffiness. I doubt you will because Consumer Reports doesn't say it's ok to do so.
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Actually in every article Consumer Reports tells you exactly how they test. Its in usually fine print yes, but its there. The mode of testing is always in the article about the device as well. To say they don't tell you how they test is one of the biggest crocks I've ever heard. You apparently don't read the articles and are just spouting off at the mouth. Oh yeah, if they can't include mode of testing in the actual article they always include a link to consumer reports website going into much more detail that they didn't have space to print, much like what PC Mag, PC World, and Maximum PC do. The only drawback to that is Consumer Reports a subscription only site.
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f38urry said:
Why would they tell YOU how they do their testing? Will any cellphone manufacturer tell YOU how they test their phones? Consumer Reports has a well deserved reputation for independent, non-biased, non-commercial, product testing and reporting for over a half century.
If you don't trust them, you should examine your motives.
The current Consumer Reports article that we are discussing, has nothing to do with the publication's testing. They have simply compiled and published the results of a survey in which 39,000 (THIRTY-NINE THOUSAND) cellphone users answered questions about their own personal experiences with their cellular carriers.
Dang dude 😕 ...
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Oh, and cell phone manufacturers HAVE told me how they test their phones...same with the carriers...
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Yeahp... upon request Cingular will give details as to what our 400 hour tests involve... I think VZW will too...
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fc2462 said:I'm of the opinion that the survey is indeed flawed. 39,000 out of nearly 142 million subscribers is not going to give you accurate results.
The new Cingular was dead nuts last in almost every way in their survey. Worse than Sprint and T-Mobile. I was very surprised.
Over the years, I have had cell phone service with Verizon, Sprint, Cellular One, Cingular, AT&T (TDMA long before the merger) and Nextel. Out of all those, I currently have service with Verizon and Cingular - the two I like the best and am most satisfied with.
Is T-Mobile coming of age? Is it really that good or is this survey screwed up somehow? I can't believe Sprint did as well as they did.
Comments?
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NOT to start a flame war but. Whenever I bought any anything that consumer reports tested, it always worked for me. I have had several different carriers since 1996, and if consumers reports test show something isn't right my research shows that consumers reports spoke the truth.
Yes did a survey of 39,000 people, there will always be SOMEBODY to disagree with the results.
If you want to waste a lot of forum time debating the results be my guess, you can waste your time, but don't waste mine.
I had thought of switching to Cingular, though my present contract w/my carrier is finished, I'll stay where I am.
Yes did a survey of 39,000 people, there will always be SOMEBODY to disagree with the results.
If you want to waste a lot of forum time debating the results be my guess, you can waste your time, but don't waste mine.
I had thought of switching to Cingular, though my present contract w/my carrier is finished, I'll stay where I am.
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If you want to waste a lot of forum time debating the results be my guess, you can waste your time, but don't waste mine.I didn't respond to your post, so who's wasting whose time? If you don't want to read about people's thoughts on the article...go read aomething else.
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It's okay "muchdrama" I just don't read your threads or "agentdebit's" threads.
As for wasting my time, the last time I checked it was still a free world where you can express your opinion, the majority people don't read or care what you write anyway.
By the way, have a nice day. 🤣
As for wasting my time, the last time I checked it was still a free world where you can express your opinion, the majority people don't read or care what you write anyway.
By the way, have a nice day. 🤣
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Godzzzilla said:YOU read MY post (which was in response to someone else) and stated that I was wasting your time. Do you see the problem in your thinking? If you don't want your time wasted...don't read my or anyone else's posts. Every time you respond to me you're proving otherwise.
It's okay "muchdrama" I just don't read your threads or "agentdebit's" threads.
As for wasting my time, the last time I checked it was still a free world where you can express your opinion, the majority people don't read or care what you write anyway.
By the way, have a nice day. 🤣
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muchdrama:
You have stated many times that you feel that the "survey is flawed". Feeling is one thing, but statistical sampling has a lot more to do with facts, not feelings.
You have stated many times that you feel that the "survey is flawed". Feeling is one thing, but statistical sampling has a lot more to do with facts, not feelings.
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and again.
ROBOT IS YOU.
f38urry said You've observed, the "survey" was done 2 months before the merger."
You've observed that Consumer Reports' "forte is housewares".
You have stated many times that you feel that the "survey is flawed".
ROBOT IS YOU.
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Someone had a very good point about only surveying 39,000 people...To my knowledge, even companies who do their own surveys (and alot of them do), it is extremely uncommon for them to survey each and every customer. It's always select products, or markets, and there's waaaaaaaaay too many things that *could* be tested. Unless someone is able to get 100% of a population or customer base #1 to agree to take the same survey, then it will never be completely accurate. Same as testing a product. They should test the product in as many aspects as possible in as many markets as possible and disclose how they tested it. I don't tend to believe "out of 39,000 people x company is the best" and leave it at that. Where's the supporting facts behind that...
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T-Mobile has exceptional customer service, hardly any hold time when you call and great plans. You should try it 🙂
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guitarman21 said:
T-Mobile has exceptional customer service, hardly any hold time when you call and great plans. You should try it 🙂
Now would not be the best time to test that, really 😕 ...With 2 call centers down due to severe weather and all CCRII's having to go through 2 weeeks of training for the new "Advanced Care" guidelines effective jan 31st, our call ques are horrendous! For the last 5 4 days theres been a minimum of 40-50 calls in que at any given time, Hold time is like 10 minutes to get CS. Other departmetns are busy, but not that bad. It slowed down thank god last night around 11:30...It doesn't help being this time of year either...generally right before and right after a major holida...
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I was reading the Dallas Morning news today and guess what? You are wrong about Cingular being "dead nuts last". That honor was given to nextel.
Verizon 70%
Tmobile 67
Cingular 64
Sprint 63
Att 62
Nextel "dead nuts last"
I was also able to find some other things out thanks to the paper...
1. The survey was conducted on Consumer Reports website which is only available to it's subscribers.
2. In order for a carrier to be included in a particular city, they had to get at least 150 votes. This means that quite possibly, any one company was ranked out of 150 votes and other companies were rated by a much higher number of subscribers. IE Sprint may have been voted by 150 people in dallas and Tmobile was voted by 1500. This being s...
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Verizon 70%
Tmobile 67
Cingular 64
Sprint 63
Att 62
Nextel "dead nuts last"
I was also able to find some other things out thanks to the paper...
1. The survey was conducted on Consumer Reports website which is only available to it's subscribers.
2. In order for a carrier to be included in a particular city, they had to get at least 150 votes. This means that quite possibly, any one company was ranked out of 150 votes and other companies were rated by a much higher number of subscribers. IE Sprint may have been voted by 150 people in dallas and Tmobile was voted by 1500. This being s...
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Purely conjecture on your part. I'd suggest reading the actual report instead of a second-hand newspaper article.
For the Dallas market , the numbers are as follows:
Verizon 71%
T-Mobile 67%
Cingular 64%
Sprint 63%
AT&T 62%
You stated Nextel "dead nuts last". That is not true. The CR ratings for the Dallas market did not even mention Nextel. That means, according to the "Guide to the survey", that there weren't 150 Nextel subscriber responses in that market.
You really should READ the report before commenting on it any further.
For the Dallas market , the numbers are as follows:
Verizon 71%
T-Mobile 67%
Cingular 64%
Sprint 63%
AT&T 62%
You stated Nextel "dead nuts last". That is not true. The CR ratings for the Dallas market did not even mention Nextel. That means, according to the "Guide to the survey", that there weren't 150 Nextel subscriber responses in that market.
You really should READ the report before commenting on it any further.
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f38urry said:
Purely conjecture on your part. I'd suggest reading the actual report instead of a second-hand newspaper article.
There hardly any conjecture on my part... as stated in the previous post, these three facts remain unchanged:
1. The survey was conducted on Consumer Reports website which is only available to it's subscribers.
2. In order for a carrier to be included in a particular city, they had to get at least 150 votes. This means that quite possibly, any one company was ranked out of 150 votes and other companies were rated by a much higher number of subscribers. IE Sprint may have been voted by 150 people in dallas and Tmobile was voted by 1500. This being said, that totally throw ...
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You are only guessing the sample sizes, so your point is pointless.
Sure Consumers Union objected to the Cingular/AT&T merger. Had Verizon tried to purchase another carrier, CU would no doubt have objected to that further monopolization of an industry. They are advocates for the CONSUMER. CU has consistantly pressed for more, rather than less competition, irrespective of industry.
You should realize that Consumer Reports is the monthly publication of Consumers Union. So I don't understand your point.
Try reading an issue.
Sure Consumers Union objected to the Cingular/AT&T merger. Had Verizon tried to purchase another carrier, CU would no doubt have objected to that further monopolization of an industry. They are advocates for the CONSUMER. CU has consistantly pressed for more, rather than less competition, irrespective of industry.
You should realize that Consumer Reports is the monthly publication of Consumers Union. So I don't understand your point.
Try reading an issue.
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f38urry said:
You are only guessing the sample sizes, so your point is pointless.
Sure Consumers Union objected to the Cingular/AT&T merger. Had Verizon tried to purchase another carrier, CU would no doubt have objected to that further monopolization of an industry. They are advocates for the CONSUMER. CU has consistantly pressed for more, rather than less competition, irrespective of industry.
You should realize that Consumer Reports is the monthly publication of Consumers Union. So I don't understand your point.
Try reading an issue.
I have read several issues. I bought a TV once that they recommended. They actually tested that product.
So, let me see... The Consumer's ...
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What are you talking about? There were plenty of analysts who objected to the buyout. Any time an industry consolidates, it's never beneficial for consumers.
So, let me see... The Consumer's Union was completely opposed to the Cingular/Att merger but almost every analyst outside of that union stated that the merger would be beneficial to the wireless industry.
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muchdrama said:What are you talking about? There were plenty of analysts who objected to the buyout. Any time an industry consolidates, it's never beneficial for consumers.
So, let me see... The Consumer's Union was completely opposed to the Cingular/Att merger but almost every analyst outside of that union stated that the merger would be beneficial to the wireless industry.
Jerry, I'm beginning to think you will flip flop on any subject just to start an argument. You are correct in saying that there were plenty of people who stated that the merger would hurt consumers, but then those same analysts were representatives of consumer watch groups. I was merely referring to the analy...
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Stop saying "flip flop"! GAH!
And I agree that mergers are never really benefical...well, they are and they aren't. Take our merger, yes they get much better coverage and better phones, and whatnot, but the process of migrating can be like trying to hit a sparrow with a 450-pound flail...You try lifting that, and hitting that fast little bugger.
And such. My similie sucked.
And I agree that mergers are never really benefical...well, they are and they aren't. Take our merger, yes they get much better coverage and better phones, and whatnot, but the process of migrating can be like trying to hit a sparrow with a 450-pound flail...You try lifting that, and hitting that fast little bugger.
And such. My similie sucked.
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JessiCSR said:
Stop saying "flip flop"! GAH!
And I agree that mergers are never really benefical...well, they are and they aren't. Take our merger, yes they get much better coverage and better phones, and whatnot, but the process of migrating can be like trying to hit a sparrow with a 450-pound flail...You try lifting that, and hitting that fast little bugger.
And such. My similie sucked.
I rather enjoyed it.
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PhoenixAshes said:...muchdrama said:What are you talking about? There were plenty of analysts who objected to the buyout. Any time an industry consolidates, it's never beneficial for consumers.
So, let me see... The Consumer's Union was completely opposed to the Cingular/Att merger but almost every analyst outside of that union stated that the merger would be beneficial to the wireless industry.
Jerry, I'm beginning to think you will flip flop on any subject just to start an argument. You are correct in saying that there were plenty of people who stated that the merger would hurt consumers, but then those same analysts were representatives of consumer watch grou
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