Verizon vs Sprint vs ATT vs T-Mobile

[andyzee]

The hard reality is that in this day and age, very little (if any new R&D) is going into new, "basic" (non-smart phones) since such a huge percentage of the market wants smartphones

And I want a smart phone, just don't want a data package or minimal data package. I presently have a LG Env Touch, got it without a data package. I'm now told that if I want to "upgrade" to a refurbished Touch, I have to get a $10 data package, why? I have to imagine the same is true with other phones. Is there really any reason for a required data package other then the carriers can get away with forcing it on consumers?

 

[St. Bear]

I'm in the same boat (currently VZW with a dumb phone looking to possibly upgrade). The Sprint unlimited plan really appeals to me, because I think it's an all-or-nothing deal. Once I get a smartphone, the flood gates will open and I won't be able to limit myself. I'm just wary of their network. I can't imagine anywhere in North Jersey not being covered, but I do live in a fairly rural area (for NJ). Also concerned about NH where my parents live. Same thing as where I live, they're outside of Manchester so it's not "rural" but they do have VZW issues at their house.

 

[Glenn]

There's alot of really unhappy AT&T customers at Mount Snow - very spotty service at best. Although the rumor in the Mount Snow area is that an AT&T exec recently bought a place there and that there will be a dramatic improvement in AT&T service soon

Mitz and I took a look at the tower and tower building that's near the top of Tumbleweed. There's a lot of work going on there; looks like some cable is being run and they either installed a new generator or fenced around it. I gotta go bump that thread on the passholder's site.

 

[Nick]

No poll?

I think if you want to get a 4G phone at some point Verizon is way faster than anything else. I've been with them for a long time (2002, I think). I've always been happy with the service, even though it's fairly expensive.

I wonder how the AT&T acquisition of T-mobile will play out.