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Cell phones > Buying guide
Carriers Basics – What each Carrier Offersationwide Carriers Pros: Good selection of handsets and better than average customer service operations. Good variety of local and nationwide calling plans.
Cons: Somewhat more expensive calling plans, new service in only available in 33 states.
AT&T has become the largest wireless carrier in the nation. AT&T uses a nationwide GSM network of cell towers and is roaming partners with T-Mobile, SunCom, and other GSM providers operating GSM systems. AT&T has more than 54 million subscribers in the U.S. Pros: AT&T is the only carrier offering “Roll Over” minutes which allows you to accumulate unused minutes to future months. Very competitive rate plans including some of the best pricing for Family plans. AT&T also recently launched a unique push-to-talk system using a very nice Instant Messenger type interface, although only a few phones are offered for this service. AT&T's service has greatly improved over the past 18 months and has one of the largest coverage areas. GSM is also compatible with most overseas countries.
Cons: The phones offered by AT&T and its GSM manufactures sometimes are not quite “unique” as those offered by Verizon and Sprint with the exception of the iPhone. Their Push-to-Talk system will take some time to acquire enough users to make it worthwhile for many users.
 Pros: Sprints Fair and Flexible plans allow you to go over your minutes without charging the high-roaming rate. On the Sprint side, the high-speed EV-DO service network is being introduced in 2006 which allows for TV type streaming content. The Nextel phones are very rugged and they still have the largest network of push-to-talk customers.Sprint offers many Sanyo manufactured phones which are the highest rated phones from consumers according to JD Power and PhoneDog.com.
Cons: Sprint's all-digital PCS network is not widely available in some parts of the country. Sprint does have analog network roaming agreements in place, but only certain models of Sprint phones support off-network analog roaming. Sprint's newer Power Vision handsets are not compatible with analog roaming. Sprint uses the CDMA protocol which is not as widely used overseas.
 Pros: Very inexpensive calling plans with a reasonable amount of minutes and a highly rated customer service department. The GSM network is also used by Cingular which makes coverage nationwide, although roaming charges may apply depending on the plan.
Cons: T-Mobile doesn’t offer unlimited nights and weekends with all plans and roaming charges are more likely to apply than with Cingular or Verizon plans. While providing service in 47 states, T-Mobile doesn’t offer new service in all cities in many areas. T-Mobile doesn’t offer the advanced data features associated with some of the larger carriers.
 Pros: The latest and most advanced phones are usually offered by Verizon before other carriers. Large selection of calling plans and a recently introduced $9.99 add-a-lines for Family plans. Extensive data network and services.
Cons: Typically, more expensive rate plans compared to other providers. CDMA roaming is only available in 10 -15 overseas countries.
Regional Carriers Pros: No-contracts required and plans which offer minute packages similar to those carriers who require term agreements. Smaller company offering more personalized service.
Cons: Limited self-owned coverage network requiring shared use of other CDMA networks, limited number of phones.
 Pros: A very popular unlimited calling plan (Un-Plan) for only $79/month, and $10 add-a-lines for many plans. Excellent coverage in the Carolina’s and an excellent variety of service plans. Roaming on Cingular or T-Mobiles GSM network enables nationwide coverage.
Cons: Approval for service is more stringent than most carriers requiring good credit, phone selection is good but somewhat limited. A bit behind in offering advanced data services.
 Pros: Strong history of excellent service, Consumer Reports rated Cellular One #1 for the least customer complaints. Great selection of phones.
Cons: New service is only available in 25 states.
 Pros: Cutting edge entertainment offerings, reasonably priced "all you can eat" data plans, uses Verizon's extensive and reliable network.
Cons: Entertainment offerings and branding will appeal strongly to some, and repel others away. Limited selection of phones available; phone features are somewhat disappointing for "cutting edge" multimedia devices.
 Pros: Cutting edge entertainment offerings surpass those of Amp'd with big name Web and TV offerings; state of the art phones; "gifting and begging" options allow users to buy games and other data services for friends; flat rate and a la carte data plans allow flexibility.
Cons: Like Amp'd, the youth-targeted entertainment offerings aren't for everyone; if you don't like them, you'll wind up paying a premium for nothing; Limited selection of high-end only phones.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008Which firm would you go with for a two week GSM phone rental for use in Japan, with v/mail, calling to and from U.S.? Thursday, July 17, 2008Is there any plan that does not require a two year contract to start service. I have t-mobile, my contract is running out, but I am upset with the service we have had and don't want to have to commit to another two years, tho I can't seem to find a plan that works better for us
Wednesday, July 16, 2008I lost my ATT (GSM) phone and would like to buy a replacement so that I do not have to extend my existing phone plan. Because my phone is lost (fell in the bay), I cannot exchange the SIM card. Can I still buy a replacement phone with this plan? Friday, July 11, 2008this is informative1! can i have it please? Thursday, June 26, 2008Thanks for the good information on Insurance.. I thought I was the only one who thought it was nuts, but I never realized it was that bad. I think a manufacturer's warranty is good enough for me, but the Ebay idea is really smart! Tuesday, June 17, 2008This is a fantastic example of B2C ebusiness for sure i have liked it. Monday, June 16, 2008major complaint with t-mobile:
just thursday night i recieved 4 messages from monday
1 from my childs school telling me they are letting the kids out early-make sure someone is home
1 from a client waiting to see a house (i'm a realtor)
2 from banks concerning another deal
all very important-
all making me look incompetant
and this is not the first time Friday, May 30, 2008how to delete exceed of web sessions in Motorola L6 Thursday, May 22, 2008I have a Southern Linc model i355 motorola phone. I was told my sim card would not fit in a nextel phone. Is this true? Monday, May 19, 2008i have Alltel service and would like a new phone. I don't believe the AudioVox phone CDM 8910 that I have has a sim card. What can I do? Tuesday, May 13, 2008I have a account with suncom and am in need of an another phone.I like this one. How can I purchase one and how much? Don't forget to submit your entry for the "PhoneDog Days of Summer" Giveaway! Win one of over 30 of the hottest new cell phones - no registration, no spam! Just PhoneDog sharing some goodies with our visitors & loyal fans! Thanks and keep the comments coming! |
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