Cell Phone Coverage

[traveltoad]

I am considering a switch from AT&T to Sprint. Originally I went with AT&T because they had better coverage in SoCal, especially in the remote desert areas. Not that the coverage was good... but I very often had cell serve with AT&T where others, with other carriers, did not.

Does anyone have Sprint? Ok with them coverage?

[DaveK]

I don't have Sprint but I can confirm your experience with ATT. I have had the same problems with my ATT when compared to others. On a recent trip in remote areas, the only carrier that seemed to have coverage was Verizon. I am thinking of switching.

[cruiserlarry]

I am considering a switch from AT&T to Sprint. Originally I went with AT&T because they had better coverage in SoCal, especially in the remote desert areas. Not that the coverage was good... but I very often had cell serve with AT&T where others, with other carriers, did not.

Does anyone have Sprint? Ok with them coverage?

I've used them all, since cell service was first available in So Cal over 30 years ago. If you want the best service / coverage, use Verizon. Both Sprint and ATT lease their tower space on Verizon towers in more remote areas (and many local areas as well), and Verizon has the most extensive network system in the country. I had coverage in Alaska, even where Verizon said I would not. While all services have their bad areas, overall none come close to Verizon on reliability, IMO. Unfortunately, Verizon does not have the "cool" phones, but pricing should be virtually identical, too. The only advantage ATT and Sprint have is they use higher frequency PCS (1800Mhz) instead of the lower 80Mhz band for Verizon, so direct line of sight tower connections can sometimes be stronger...

Additionally, Wilson sells personal "repeaters" for the car and home, which can increase reception / transmission dramatically in fringe areas. The systems are available for either band (or both together), and can extend the usable range up to 50x depending on terrain. I used one in Big Bear at SummerFest, and I was able to get reception when no one else could when I turned the system on. So, if you go in bad reception areas frequently, it's something to consider. My system is completely portable, with a mag-mount external antenna, velcro inside antenna, and 12v plug power cord w/switch for the amplifier unit. so I just take it out when I need it...

[traveltoad]

Thanks guys.

Verizon it is.

[sdnative]

Verizon and Sprint use CDMA while the others use GSM. AFAIK, CDMA is not supported outside the US. Something to think about if travelling overseas. Although I believe both Verizon and Sprint have versions of a "World Phone" which is typically more expensive and probably uses someone else's network.

What about T mobile? They are big in Europe and have good support here.

[cruiserlarry]

Verizon and Sprint use CDMA while the others use GSM. AFAIK, CDMA is not supported outside the US. Something to think about if travelling overseas. Although I believe both Verizon and Sprint have versions of a "World Phone" which is typically more expensive and probably uses someone else's network.

What about T mobile? They are big in Europe and have good support here.

You are correct about CMDA. My son just got back from 7 months all over europe, and it was much cheaper for him to pick up a cell there than to use a Verizon world phone, or any other US-based plan with Sprint, ATT, T-Mobile, etc...Of course if you want to use your current phone number, for convenience or business, that option is out.

And FWIW, T-Mobile, IMO, has the worse coverage and customer service of any of the carriers I've ever tried - including way back in the dark ages of pay by the minute suitcase cellphones....

[Old Fart]

And FWIW, T-Mobile, IMO, has the worse coverage and customer service of any of the carriers I've ever tried - including way back in the dark ages of pay by the minute suitcase cellphones....

Actually, T-Mumble has the SECOND worst record for relaibility and customer satisfaction according to CTIA. NextYell has OWNED the number one status for dissatisfaction almost as long as the industry has bothered to track it.

(Came out of the cellular/PCS industry - my first carrier was Motorola )