Where do I go for a new Cell Phone provider?

[hjgauthier]

My cell phone contract with Cingular expires mid December. Before I renew I was thinking of looking around at other companies. What is your experience with other providers, good and bad? Which one(s) should I avoid and which one(s) do you recommend and why?

Thanks,
Hubert

[Julie]

Well.. over the year's I've had Alltel, T-Mobile, and now AT&T.

Of those, Alltel had the best coverage, but their data plans were awful. T-Mobile had the best plans as far as minutes, data plans, and price, and the coverage was pretty good. I have AT&T only because of the iPhone, and am not impressed with their coverage or plans.

However, I hear that in some areas some companies are better than others. So I guess it depends on the coverage area.

[South]

Do some internet research about upcoming mergers. There are a couple of big ones looming right now. I've been generally happy with Alltel except for lately. A small percentage of calls aren't coming through and certain voicemails are showing up as late as a week after they were left. They've assured me it's a temporary condition, but I've also gotten wind that a buyout merger is on the immediate horizon. Cola wars are shifting to wireless wars.

[hjgauthier]

Originally Posted by Julie

Well.. over the year's I've had Alltel, T-Mobile, and now AT&T.

Of those, Alltel had the best coverage, but their data plans were awful. T-Mobile had the best plans as far as minutes, data plans, and price, and the coverage was pretty good. I have AT&T only because of the iPhone, and am not impressed with their coverage or plans.

However, I hear that in some areas some companies are better than others. So I guess it depends on the coverage area.

Julie,
When you say date plans do you mean Texting? I don't text yet so that may not be a real consideration.
I never knew anyone that said they had Alltel, but the occaisional comment about them was not positive. That could all be mis-informed hearsay.
Thanks for your reply.
Hubert

[hjgauthier]

Originally Posted by South

Do some internet research about upcoming mergers. There are a couple of big ones looming right now. I've been generally happy with Alltel except for lately. A small percentage of calls aren't coming through and certain voicemails are showing up as late as a week after they were left. They've assured me it's a temporary condition, but I've also gotten wind that a buyout merger is on the immediate horizon. Cola wars are shifting to wireless wars.

I am curios as to who would be buying out Alltel? Or is Alltel doing the buying?
Thanks,
Hubert

[Pretend]

It all matters on where you go, man. Most of your major providers will give you okay service in most major areas, but you're going to have to do some research if you're going out in the boondocks a bit.

My tidbit of advice, don't get a service provider because you hear they have great service and then get a shoddy phone. I did that when I switched to T-Mobile until I could unlock my BlackBerry. So much more service with the BlackBerry than the freebie Samsung.

[seberly]

I like verizon for the most part.

[Leon]

I went from Cingular (now AT&T) to Verizon when I relocated to Virginia, my decision was solely based off who got the best reception at work, because with Cingular I got none. So far I've been satisfied with Verizon's service. Reasonable rates and overall good service in my area.

[hjgauthier]

Originally Posted by seberly

I like verizon for the most part.

The one company that I didn't hear any negative report on, of the majors, was Verizon. It seems that they have the best loyalty. Do they offer rollover minutes? That is one of the selling points for Cingular with me.

Thanks,
Hubert