Need some quick buying advice about mobile broadband in the US... - Off-topic

Hello all! I regard myself as reasonably tech-savvy when it comes to Mobile Internet in my own country (the UK) but I have a friend in America who is need of buying advice, and my knowledge of the american market is rather weak - I'm not even entirely clear who the major players are, and know nothing about their area coverage or price-plans. I'm wondering if someone could either offer some advice, or at least point us towards some reliable comparison websites...?
We're looking for something that allows mobile Internet access on a laptop PC, perhaps something like a 3G "dongle" that can be plugged into the USB port. The location will be in and around St Louis, Missouri. Data usage is likely to be fairly low, I would think - extensive web browsing and email, but not large-scale video downloads. Most importantly, we don't want to get locked into a long contract - it'll probably only be two months before my friend will be off to another (US) location which has fixed-line Internet available.
Any and all suggestions and discussions welcome.

The big 4 in the US are Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. I'm not sure if you can get a month by month contract with them. I would suggest Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, or maybe a regional carrier like CellSouth or US Cellular. Does your friend already have a phone? If so, what is it? If not, be advised that on a no contract service agreement the carrier most likely will not subsidize the handset and you will pay full price for it.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!

as mention by the above poster the 4 big players are the cellular companies, but now it depends on his cost and also on the coverage

Diamond_dawg said:
as mention by the above poster the 4 big players are the cellular companies, but now it depends on his cost and also on the coverage
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Click to collapse
Yeah, that's true, but I don't believe coverage will be an issue, as St. Louis is a major metro area. Pretty much everyone will cover it.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!

user7618 said:
Yeah, that's true, but I don't believe coverage will be an issue, as St. Louis is a major metro area. Pretty much everyone will cover it.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!
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Click to collapse
You are right, so now it depends on the Cost that your friend is looking for

Thanks for the contributions so far. Please note that we are not looking for a phone, here, we're looking for a way to get a laptop computer to acquire a portable broadband connection. If we were in the UK then I would suggest a 3G "dongle" - I guess they must have those in the US too...?
As for budget, that's fairly limited - but I'd like to get a feel for what the options are, as in "x amount of money will buy you service y"; and, if possible get a suggestion about which deals are better value and which are not.

Shasarak said:
Thanks for the contributions so far. Please note that we are not looking for a phone, here, we're looking for a way to get a laptop computer to acquire a portable broadband connection. If we were in the UK then I would suggest a 3G "dongle" - I guess they must have those in the US too...?
As for budget, that's fairly limited - but I'd like to get a feel for what the options are, as in "x amount of money will buy you service y"; and, if possible get a suggestion about which deals are better value and which are not.
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Click to collapse
Verizon has something know as Mifi and even At&t but i'm not sure if its contract free

Diamond_dawg said:
Verizon has something know as Mifi and even At&t but i'm not sure if its contract free
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Click to collapse
I don't think it is. Just tell your friend to move next door to someone with an unsecure router and snag their signal. Free and no contract. Other than that, I don't think you can get what you're looking for without a contract. Still, if they sign on with a major carrier, they could take it with them when they move.
Sent from my CDMA Hero. I got some hot Froyo-on-Hero action here!

Shasarak said:
Thanks for the contributions so far. Please note that we are not looking for a phone, here, we're looking for a way to get a laptop computer to acquire a portable broadband connection. If we were in the UK then I would suggest a 3G "dongle" - I guess they must have those in the US too...?
As for budget, that's fairly limited - but I'd like to get a feel for what the options are, as in "x amount of money will buy you service y"; and, if possible get a suggestion about which deals are better value and which are not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Virgin Mobile does prepaid mobile broadband without a contract. I believe you have to buy one of their USB dongles though.

Checkout Cricket Wireless. Their 3G Dongles start at $50 and they have monthly plans starting at $40/month.
http://www.mycricket.com/broadband/devices

loudjp said:
Checkout Cricket Wireless. Their 3G Dongles start at $50 after rebate and they have monthly plans starting at $40/month
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Click to collapse
is it with contract or no contract, cuz the OP's friend want without contact i'm sure as its temporary and also rebates sound like a contract

Thanks guys. Cricket looks like the best deal so far. Virgin comes in a strong second. (Cricket pulls ahead thanks to the cheaper dongle price - still a little cheaper even if the dongle rebate falls through). Virgin's data allowance may be a bit more generous than Cricket's ("unlimited" vs "2.5GB") but I don't think this will affect my friend; Virgin's coverage outside metropolitan areas might also be better (although that's less clear).

Related

Trade T-mobile Nexus One for ATnT

Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.
Just FYI, if you come to the states and don't have any credit history or SSN for the US, AT&T is going to charge you a HUGE "deposit" in order to open an account.
Whereas, T-Mobile will offer you a Contract Free plan without deposits, but no discounts on phones. This won't be an issue as you already have an N1.
You can get an Unlimited Everything plan (Minutes, Text and Data) for $79.99/mo.
Talderon said:
Just FYI, if you come to the states and don't have any credit history or SSN for the US, AT&T is going to charge you a HUGE "deposit" in order to open an account.
Whereas, T-Mobile will offer you a Contract Free plan without deposits, but no discounts on phones. This won't be an issue as you already have an N1.
You can get an Unlimited Everything plan (Minutes, Text and Data) for $79.99/mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would very much want to go for T-mobile. But the problem is, most students in my area will be using ATT. Then if I have tmo, no one will call me, or vice-versa
Also, ATT has some sort of agreement with my university (RPI) where they don't charge a steep deposit for students without SSN.
I did a lot of research, and found that tmo is perfect for me, but due to, let's say, "peer pressure", I'll have to go for ATT
just so you know, ATT does not have no contract plans like Tmo does, you will be stuck in a contract if you go the ATT route, unless ATT has changed their tactics recently.
I would definitely want to avoid ATnT, fervently. But, unlike here in India, in USA even incoming calls are charged, so if most people around me are on ATT, I will have to use that, right?
also, isnt there a student (college) discount for tmobile? Im pretty sure there is.
Blueman101 said:
also, isnt there a student (college) discount for tmobile? Im pretty sure there is.
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That's not the real issue.. The problem is the majority. Is there any way to get around it?
Also, my cousin who is already staying there will add me to a family plan of ATT, which will bring down my cost a bit.
Actually, I don't really need 3G at all.. But problem is, ATT will force it on to me
What is the reasoning behind wanting to change to ATT in the first place?
Blueman101 said:
What is the reasoning behind wanting to change to ATT in the first place?
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Click to collapse
I'm currently in India, I will be coming to the US in 15 days. Because most of my seniors and students around my area are on ATnT, won't I have to use ATT? Otherwise no one would be able to call me without both of us incurring charge, except for nights and weekends.
Well if you are on tmo and call someone on att then you will be wasting minutes, but thats normal. My advise if you are still unsure what to do is use tmobile for a month(off contract) then if you needs are not set, either by using all your minutes or what have you, then trade your nexus one in for an att version. Why make a long term 2 year contract without testing the non contract option first.
Thank you Blueman101, nice idea By "off-contract", are you suggesting I go for prepaid? Or "Even More Plus" with Flexpay?
Blueman101 said:
Well if you are on tmo and call someone on att then you will be wasting minutes, but thats normal. My advise if you are still unsure what to do is use tmobile for a month(off contract) then if you needs are not set, either by using all your minutes or what have you, then trade your nexus one in for an att version. Why make a long term 2 year contract without testing the non contract option first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I'll be able to trade via the official HTC return channel.. I'll have to find a person who is willing to swap with me, right?
rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i may be interested, or rather a friend of mine has at ATT N1 and needs a TMO N1. Send me a PM if interested!
rohandhruva said:
Thank you Blueman101, nice idea By "off-contract", are you suggesting I go for prepaid? Or "Even More Plus" with Flexpay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was suggest the Even More Plus, whether you use flexpay or not is your choice.
rohandhruva said:
I don't think I'll be able to trade via the official HTC return channel.. I'll have to find a person who is willing to swap with me, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, trading with another person is probably what you will end up doing.
Glad I could help and welcome (in 15 days) to The States.
mcgoo99 said:
i may be interested, or rather a friend of mine has at ATT N1 and needs a TMO N1. Send me a PM if interested!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Sent you a PM.
Blueman101 said:
I was suggest the Even More Plus, whether you use flexpay or not is your choice.
Yeah, trading with another person is probably what you will end up doing.
Glad I could help and welcome (in 15 days) to The States.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, for both the welcome and the help
Before you do so, consider this in your decision.
- T-Mobile has unlimited data plan and free tethering atm while Att doesn't.
- T-Mobile has cheaper plans that att. Although ATT to T-Mobile phone calls aren't free, there is a certain amount of minutes in your plan you can use during peak hours or calling other phones from another carrier. I don't think you'll go over 500-700 minutes chit chatting with your pals that's what text msgs are for.
- T-Mobile HSDPA (if theres coverage) so depending on your location is faster than att 3G.
rohandhruva said:
Hi,
I am looking to trade my T-mobile Nexus One for one which works on ATnT frequencies. I will be arriving in the US in 15 days, and will be residing in Troy, New York (zip 12180).
The bootloader has been unlocked, but otherwise there is no modification/damage whatsoever. The phone is around 20 days old. I've been using a screen protector on it from day 0, so no scratches at all.
Would anyone be interested in a switch?
Note: I am looking for a switch only, please; not interested in selling. I'd prefer that the switch happens in-person. I'll post photos of the phone if anyone is interested, but really, it's brand new, no damage at all
Cheers.
---
Cross post of this on market: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7247948
---
Alternatively, if someone from India has that ATnT Nexus One and is willing to exchange in the next few days, that works out perfectly for me too. Note that in India, 3G will work on either ATT or T-Mobile Nexus One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rjhay22 said:
Before you do so, consider this in your decision.
- T-Mobile has unlimited data plan and free tethering atm while Att doesn't.
- T-Mobile has cheaper plans that att. Although ATT to T-Mobile phone calls aren't free, there is a certain amount of minutes in your plan you can use during peak hours or calling other phones from another carrier. I don't think you'll go over 500-700 minutes chit chatting with your pals that's what text msgs are for.
- T-Mobile HSDPA (if theres coverage) so depending on your location is faster than att 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. As a student, I don't think I'll be able to afford data/3G on my phone at all, and neither do I really need it. My only intention in switching to ATnT Nexus One is that if ATnT forces a data plan onto me, I'll be able to utilise it. But if there was a way to avoid a data plan altogether, I'd much rather prefer that!
Hmm yes you do have a point that 500 minutes won't be depleted, and I can talk during the off-peak hours. I think I need to re-evaluate my decision. Sigh, this is confusing!
rohandhruva said:
Thank you. As a student, I don't think I'll be able to afford data/3G on my phone at all, and neither do I really need it. My only intention in switching to ATnT Nexus One is that if ATnT forces a data plan onto me, I'll be able to utilise it. But if there was a way to avoid a data plan altogether, I'd much rather prefer that!
Hmm yes you do have a point that 500 minutes won't be depleted, and I can talk during the off-peak hours. I think I need to re-evaluate my decision. Sigh, this is confusing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading this thread, I think your best bet is:
1. If you cannot find someone to trade before you get here, fly in here, post on Craig's List LOCALLY and trade face to face, it will be faster and no costs to do so.
2. Since you are going to be added to a family plan, then your costs will be MUCH lower and since you are not getting a subsidized phone, they really can't force a data plan on you either way.
3. IF you decide on T-Mobile, see if your friends have the A-List option on their plans. If they do, they add your number and poof, no minutes to call anytime.
Regardless of what you decide, you really don't have to rush to trade your phone before you get here. It will work on AT&T or T-Mobile and it will be faster and easier to swap once you get here. Just keep it in good condition and make sure the one you get works.
Oh yah I remember... If you have the T-Mobile version of the nexus one then it will also work with att. You just can't have 3g on it, which you do not need in the first place. So you really don't need to trade after all.
rohandhruva said:
I would definitely want to avoid ATnT, fervently. But, unlike here in India, in USA even incoming calls are charged, so if most people around me are on ATT, I will have to use that, right?
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Click to collapse
You can. Get Unlimited and youll still save money and it doesnt matter!
(Ex-Tmobile Employee)
Thank you all for your help! Coming from India, where the cellular system very different and very cheap, I really need some orientation
Talderon said:
Reading this thread, I think your best bet is:
1. If you cannot find someone to trade before you get here, fly in here, post on Craig's List LOCALLY and trade face to face, it will be faster and no costs to do so.
2. Since you are going to be added to a family plan, then your costs will be MUCH lower and since you are not getting a subsidized phone, they really can't force a data plan on you either way.
3. IF you decide on T-Mobile, see if your friends have the A-List option on their plans. If they do, they add your number and poof, no minutes to call anytime.
Regardless of what you decide, you really don't have to rush to trade your phone before you get here. It will work on AT&T or T-Mobile and it will be faster and easier to swap once you get here. Just keep it in good condition and make sure the one you get works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I really don't want to swap (especially because this N1 has some sentimental value attached to it, too). My only reason behind doing is that ATT will force a data plan on me, and then I will be paying for a facility which I can't use anyway. However, I am relieved to hear that they can't force a data plan if I don't have a subsidized phone. Do I specifically need to request this, or spend hours with a customer support tech fighting over it?
rjhay22 said:
Oh yah I remember... If you have the T-Mobile version of the nexus one then it will also work with att. You just can't have 3g on it, which you do not need in the first place. So you really don't need to trade after all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I am only worried because I heard that ATnT forces a data plan on you if they detect a smartphone. Is there any way to prevent that?
MANTISxB said:
You can. Get Unlimited and youll still save money and it doesnt matter!
(Ex-Tmobile Employee)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think I can afford an unlimited plan on Tmo either. And anyway people on ATT will still be charged, so others will be reluctant to call me/accept my calls. The concept of an A-list looks pretty good, though.
So, in the end it all boils down to whether (and how) I can avoid the unnecessary data plan they might add to my line in the family plan

AT&T buys T-Mobile USA

THIS SUCKS!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/atandt-agrees-to-buy-t-mobile-from-deutsche-telekom/
Welcome to AT&T Wireless...
All I can say is F_*$
I hate AT&T! I used to have both At&t and T-mobile and I left the death star because of their terrible customer service! Now I have to go to Sprint or Verizon..most likely Verizon because of their coverage. However its going to cost me almost Double. Again all I can say is ****!
I just put a 32gb memory card in my HD7, this super sucks.
I was thinking to myself, sh!t! AT&T sucks! I then realized, well the monstrous GSM network would be pretty cool. I just hope they don't mess with the unlimited data plan, or the attractive prices. I use my phone a lot, and unfortunately some of us have to stay on 3G data at all times because we can't all afford home internet for WiFi (where I live it is NOT affordable). I also enjoy my 85 dollar phone bill, a considerable drop from the $120/mo. AT&T or Verizon charge.
sirandrew said:
Welcome to AT&T Wireless...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it's "AT&T Mobility" **** I have a bad feeling about this.
Luisraul924 said:
I believe it's "AT&T Mobility" **** I have a bad feeling about this.
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Click to collapse
LOL - Indeed... there goes my rate plan out the window.
I have been here before.
I was with what was the Original At&t Wireless, they sold out to Cingular, and they sold out again and back to the At&t nameplate. So I was on a great plan and had been on a great plan for many years. At&t started turning off services on my plan. Every time I would call they would just say..."well you are on a legacy plan and we don't support that anymore. You need to sign up for a new plan at twice the cost if you want those features."And I am not talking about major stuff, call forwarding, paging, voice mail, etc. I see this coming again for all of us T-Mobile customers that have been with them for sometime. I was an originally a voicestream customer and now I will switch carriers, most likely to Verizon, if I am going to pay that much for service I will go where I get the best coverage. I know the drawbacks of both but I refuse to ever give At&t another penny after the way they treated me the last time I was a customer. It's sad to see a company that takes care of its customers like T-Mobile not be able to keep up in this Monopolistic world. Just another example of what deregulation has brought to the USA. We will be down to three major carriers with this merger and I will bet it will be two soon. So much for competition and lower prices.
Yeah, this is pretty bad. Hopefully when the deal goes through next year they will let me out of my contract without penalty.
they will if they change your plan. t-mobile has a 3000 minute, unlimtied text and data family plan (limited time only) that's $10 cheaper than their 1500 family plan with the same features....mine kicks in 3/29 for 2 years...if it changes, i leave ETF free.
linky http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/...re-for-Families-3000-Talk-Text-Unlimited-Data
What does this ultimately mean for T-Mobile customers?
Will T-Mobile still keep their branding name?
there will still be t-mobile, but only in the u.k., no more t-mobile usa.
mr8820 said:
there will still be t-mobile, but only in the u.k., no more t-mobile usa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. It'll just be AT&T. I wonder, given Sprint's situation, if Verizon will pick them up as they are using the same cell technology as each other. It would be a massive duopoly. I'm not sure how that would affect the prices, it might drive prices lower faster given that they'll only mainly be looking at each other in terms of "scopin the comp out".
****ing sucks...
LMAO I still dont see what the big deal is aside from prices going up however
i dont see what the big issue is with At&t
aside from capping data and the 4g debacle.
I had them and they were pretty decent to me
Nothing will happen for a year. ATT primarily wants TMO's AWS spectrum and other assorted IP. THEN they'll assimilate everyone
carmeng4evr said:
LMAO I still dont see what the big deal is aside from prices going up however
i dont see what the big issue is with At&t
aside from capping data and the 4g debacle.
I had them and they were pretty decent to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prices going up: If I bought the same services (but still less than what I'm getting from TMo) from AT&T it would cost me an extra $35 a month (from $119 to $154). That's $420 a year. That is a pretty significant difference.
The closest package I could get with both Verizon and Sprint is $188 a month. That's $828 more a year. With less competition, it's significantly more likely that AT&T will raise their prices to Verizon and Sprint's level as opposed to the other way around.
If this deal falls through, how are we supposed to feel about tmobile?
Sent from my 32GB HD7 using Board Express
when I hear the news feel sad........so...there isn't any cheap price anymore guys.
My friend works for T-Mobile as an engineer, he said expect T-Mobile to implement all the changes MUCH sooner than we expect. He said his division is already being broken up & relocated. Some are getting their walking papers. The T-Mobile employees aren't too happy about this either. Also confirmed that older phones like the HD2 will not be supported with 3G capabilities on at&t's network. But even though the deal won't be complete for a few months, they will start making most changes sooner, so the transition will move along smoother. Basically us that love T-Mobile & hate at&t are screwed.

Data Caps - It's Only Going to Get Worse

For all you folks complaining about AT&T capping your download speeds, it appears it's only going to get worse. The federal government so far has not made any progress toward getting additional spectrum available, forcing carriers to make do with what they've got. As the article in the link below notes, "Ultimately, carriers will have to get more creative about how they use their existing spectrum, which will likely result in stricter caps on usage. Consumers who use more data will likely be charged higher prices for that data."
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-57379526-266/how-politics-inflame-the-spectrum-crisis/?tag=nl.e404
In the short run, you might jump to another carrier, but in the long run, it could get worse for everyone. Lightsquare has been effectively stopped (for now) from building a new wireless network because of the potential for interfering with GPS signals. AT&T has been stopped from acquiring T-Mobile which would have given AT&T more spectrum.
So, as bad as things seem now, this may be the best that they will be.
PS: Also see this article:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57...-suffer/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
The FCC really needs to figure out how they are going to auction off the spectrum. Also, the whole ATT/T-mobile merger should have gone through. ATT is the only company that is compatible with T-mobile's equipment and can afford them.
rft3ch said:
The FCC really needs to figure out how they are going to auction off the spectrum. Also, the whole ATT/T-mobile merger should have gone through. ATT is the only company that is compatible with T-mobile's equipment and can afford them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it was cited that the decrees in competition would hurt every one and the loss of high paying jobs was to great
Aww that's bull does the fed gov have contract with Verizon or somethin? Coz a merger like that would surely put them out of commission
Sent from my HTC Raider X710e using xda premium
Cingular. Aka ma bell was broken up before for having a monopoly. Monopolies are bad for consumers, if any of you have graduated high school you should know this. Cingular has thus bought all tel, at&t, and now wants t-mobile. Creating another monopoly would not net us any better prices.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
Verizon bought alltel
So your saying Verizon is At&ts only competition ??? Lol
Sent from my HTC Raider X710e using xda premium
colonel187 said:
Cingular. Aka ma bell was broken up before for having a monopoly. Monopolies are bad for consumers, if any of you have graduated high school you should know this. Cingular has thus bought all tel, at&t, and now wants t-mobile. Creating another monopoly would not net us any better prices.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cingular was not Ma Bell, it was a seperate company that purchased the failing wireless portion of At&t. Which was then purchased back by att, which wad really a rebranded SBC
Also Verizon purchased Alltel.
Good story though.
Sent from my HTC Raider X710e using xda premium
How does the merger or buy out of T-Mobile from AT&T help the consumer in any sense? Less companies out there competing, the higher your prices are gonna be, simple as that. If verizon goes, all those consumers have to go somewhere....
PakAttack1994 said:
How does the merger or buy out of T-Mobile from AT&T help the consumer in any sense? Less companies out there competing, the higher your prices are gonna be, simple as that. If verizon goes, all those consumers have to go somewhere....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One reason AT&T wanted to buy T-Mobile was to use its network to more rapidly expand its LTE network. Also, the two systems are compatible in some ways, making a transition easier.
As to competition as a way hold down prices, the major carriers (AT&T and Versizon) already control most of the market with T-Mobile and Sprint dividing a much smaller portion. Price comparisons I've seen usuaally show Verizon higher than AT&T for similar plans.
The main point I was making in the original post was that prices are likely to rise for all carriers in the long run as demand increases faster than the ability of the government and the carriers to provide adequate spectrum. The main concern should not be how many carriers there are, but whether the carriers (2 or 20) can meet the growing demand for high-speed services.
You got me about all tel, its another company I can't quite get off the tip of my tongue. Anyway.
Yes Verizon is the only real completion at&t has, tmo and sprint are too small. AT&T wireless was formed by by AT&T
AT&T wireless was doing so well they split into their own company. Sbc acquired Cingular which. At&t & Cingular were the two major companies in competition with Verizon but norther had the customer base alone to match Verizon.
Cingular bought at&t wireless and sbc bought at&t landline. Owning the rights to the name now Cingular and sbc changed their name to at&t thus gaining the same or a little more customers over Verizon. Sbc and at&t came to be when ma bell was forced to split due to monopoly.
Gobbling up the missing prices of ma bell and some small stragglers is creating another monopoly.
Just like the cable companies in many areas. There is only one and they raise there prices almost every other month. Only competition its satellite that forces you to sign contacts.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
This is why I'm glad the Tmobile merger was stopped or else things would've only gotten worse. The Government actually needs to break up Verizon and AT&T now since they are too big as it is and doing price fixing with each other.
NIKKG said:
This is why I'm glad the Tmobile merger was stopped or else things would've only gotten worse. The Government actually needs to break up Verizon and AT&T now since they are too big as it is and doing price fixing with each other.
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However, that does not really address the basic issue here -- as data usage grows with more people using more wireless devices, the available spectrum/band-width (as it exists now) probably will not be able to keep up with the demand.
Economics 101: when demand exceeds supply, prices go up. Increasing the number of companies selling wireless service will not necessarily increase the amount of bandwidth available.
My point, is that the government, which ultimately controls wireless frequencies, has not acted in a timely manner to address the issue (with the exception of stopping a company that wanted to add more bandwidth).
..
Very interesting article
Australia is just as bad with a lazy government. This NBN (National Broadband Network) appears to be nothing more than a spin from the Labor government, which can be an example of people who use lots of data suffering at the hands of lazy morons who really have no excuse for it.
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 PM ----------
I feel sorry for those on AT&T's old unlimited plan who are getting throttled.
Capping plans appears to only benefit the carrier as they make millions off those who go over the capped amount.
I used 2GB in a two days on Telstra's 4G network.
So AT&T tries to buy T-mobile for $35 BILLION, but cant afford to upgrade their network. What a bunch of ****.
How can I see if Im getting throttled? I can do a speed test and get a good speed, but browsing is slow.
Telstra is looking to shaping customer when they go over their limit in a couple of months. This was announced last year. As per existing solution it will Text you when you are near the cap. I beleive that once you are capped you can purchase once off topups.
So examples are:
$49 Plan gives 1G for month, with $450 for Voice SMS
$59 gives 1.5G with $550 for Voice (free SMS /MMS)
etc
Once the shapping solution is deployed you can:
1. Not spend any more and manage to how much data you have for the month.
2. Purchase a once off data top up .
$10 = 1 Gig
$20 = 2 Gig
etc
3. Move to a offer that provide more data each month
Once implemented there will no longer be bill shock. You can then choose eactly how much you spend on data.
so when will they do this for home internet.. haha
In Australia Fixed broadband for Telstra has been capped for several years for consumer plans. So no bill shock possible on Fixed data.
As per previous post need to wait a couple more months until this capping is available for Mobiles. Then bill shock will be removed for fixed.
I don't beleive any smart long term techo believes Bill shock generates revenue it just drives loyal customers away, that might choose to use them for the next 30 years.

[Q] Maybe leaving T-Mobile for Sprint - What will I lose? or Gain?

Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.
ourtech said:
Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.
chaunold said:
Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.
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Click to collapse
See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.
Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.
I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.
ourtech said:
See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.
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I had verizon wireless for 10 years and left them over a year ago for T-Mobile. I didn't regret anything. I didn't switch because of price because I could afford verizon, but their plans and phones suck and they are scam artists trying to rape every penny from you just like John Legere quoted. In my area and even in rural places in georgia I get pretty decent excellent coverage and service. At home I usually get from 80-112mbps down and 7-15mbps up. Verizon couldn't match that and hell, everyone I know that has sprint hate it and are jumping to T-Mobile because they get less than 1mbps and call quality sounds like pure ****. T-Mobile has nationwide VoLTE and WiFi calling and texting and the "Uncarrier" exclusives. I have unlimited data so I use it as my home internet since I have root for tethering unlimited data and its way faster than charters fastest speeds they deliver to my house lol. Sprint is also bad just like verizon because remember they are money hungry companies and they will lock u in contracts and can only use their cdma devices or select unlocked devices like the nexus 6. I heard verizon doesn't recognize the unlocked nexus 6, idk if that is true or not.
Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.
ourtech said:
I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.
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Although tethering is not supported, it does work.
There also would be no issue popping in a Cricket SIM in a Nexus 9. I've considered selling my WiFi N9 and getting a LTE N9 with a 20GB Cricket SIM.
metaphz said:
Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.
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metaphz said:
Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.
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From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April. Thanks though.
ourtech said:
From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April.
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Click to collapse
It did expire, someone is selling their account.
ourtech said:
Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.
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Click to collapse
There is an app on the playstore if you have root called "WiFi Tether Router" which will work or if you want unlimited native tethering.
#1 in SQL lite go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/settings.db/global
#2 add " tether_dun required " and set the value to 0
#3 in your APN settings add " dun " to APN type and set your APN to IPv4 only since IPv6 doesnt support this.
Either use OpenSignal app or their site and zoom in on your neighborhood. They have a list of carriers with their average upload and download speed.
Personally I wouldn't use Sprint as OpenSignal and Rootmetrics has shown it is the slowest network across the country.
Get a AT&T GoPhone sim and try them out for a month. Walmart sells the sims. They now have rollover data on prepaid just like T-mobile. Plus they're not throttled like Cricket.
I wait for Callingmart to announce their monthly 10% off GoPhone refills on Twitter. Then refill each month saving me $6.
Just my 2¢ but I have been with Sprint for going on 8 years. Their service is great in my area (now) and their customer service has always been outstanding. While I do agree that they don't have the best coverage, they have come a long way in my time with them. You can get unlimited, TRULY unlimited data with them for a good price. They offer payment plans on the top devices and as I said, customer service has bent over backwards for me more than once. Choice is yours, OP, just do your homework and choose wisely.
I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.
bob2300nx said:
I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.
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Click to collapse
To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.
Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
ceo4eva said:
Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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Good point. Hadn't thought about those. Thanks.
This morning my Speed Tests were decidedly better. At least 8 and as high as 12 meg. I haven't seen those numbers in months. So, (holding breath), perhaps my last call got something changed. I won't make changes unless I am sure there is no hope for change.
ourtech said:
To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.
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Other than calling to activate new phones, I have only had to call once in all my years with Sprint and I have no complaints on it. I don't generally need service, I pay my bill and use my phone lol. As far as overseas call centers, that's not entirely true; there is a Sprint call center in my city (along with a T-Mobile call center). To each their own.
I switched from Sprint to Verizon as my family plan 4 years ago, best decision of my life. Sprint will frustrate you beyond belief with their slow data, you won't even be able to load Google. I know you said the big 2 cost too much, so I'd stay with T-Mobile if I were you, avoid Sprint at all costs. I personally love Verizon, have 5 off contract smartphones with them, 15GB shared data, and pay $153+tax a month.

Dumping Verizon

I'll be coming off-contract with my current UDP Verizon plan in a few weeks, and wanted some advice/recommendations for alternatives. I would prefer to keep UDP, but as I understand it they are going to raise the price by $30 per line (we have 2) once I come off, which will make my plan cost just under $200. I am sure I can do MUCH better than that, so I wanted to explore some options. I'd like to keep our Droid Turbos, since they are great and I have no reason to "upgrade" to something else... so the carrier would need to support these phones, of course (that's why I'm posting here).
Our data usage seems to be around 5-6GB/month (mostly music streaming) so I want to stay at least with that level... it may be hard to get my wife to learn how to be data-aware going forward, after being so used to unlimited.
I was thinking of Straight Talk, for example... but I am interested in any other suggestions. Data speed isn't super-critical, but overall coverage is important... I travel a lot around New England, mostly in CT and rural areas therein (I work in sales)... but I have a work-phone too, so I can afford to drop some coverage if required.
Again, any tips, recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Have you looked into Google FI, it's not unlimited but you only pay for the data used.
Wife is on straight talk, it works okay but not as good of LTE coverage.
Hmm... can I use ProjectFI with this phone? I didn't think I could... I thought it was GSM-only? Have you used it... how are you liking it?
Straight Talk - thanks for the quick review on that. Again, I suppose the lesser LTE coverage may be ok... how's the rest of their service? Good coverage for phone, otherwise? And 3G?
You can renew your contracts before the billing cycle end date by purchasing subsided phones and keep UDP at $29.99. Read up friend:
https://www.reddit.com/r/VerizonUDP/wiki/index
schwinn8 said:
Hmm... can I use ProjectFI with this phone? I didn't think I could... I thought it was GSM-only? Have you used it... how are you liking it?
Straight Talk - thanks for the quick review on that. Again, I suppose the lesser LTE coverage may be ok... how's the rest of their service? Good coverage for phone, otherwise? And 3G?
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Click to collapse
Decent coverage it is not quite as good.
schwinn8 said:
Hmm... can I use ProjectFI with this phone? I didn't think I could... I thought it was GSM-only? Have you used it... how are you liking it?
Straight Talk - thanks for the quick review on that. Again, I suppose the lesser LTE coverage may be ok... how's the rest of their service? Good coverage for phone, otherwise? And 3G?
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Click to collapse
Project Fi is nexus/pixel phones only.
TheSt33v said:
Project Fi is nexus/pixel phones only.
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Sorta...
Data-only SIMs may work with devices that aren’t on our list. Devices need to be unlocked and work with T-Mobile (GSM radio). You can order a data-only SIM and test it out. However, we may not be able to help activate or troubleshoot these other devices.
Note on phones:
bqw371 said:
You can renew your contracts before the billing cycle end date by purchasing subsided phones and keep UDP at $29.99. Read up friend:
https://www.reddit.com/r/VerizonUDP/wiki/index
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I did the BB method 2 years ago to get my Turbo, which is why I'm here now. I don't think I have any subsidized upgrades available... is there a place to check if I have them available? I could certainly do the BB method and sell the phone... I don't want to go through the hassle of changing numbers around.
Fact is, I may have to just give up the UDP. Honestly, our usage is <6GB/month, and the "Verizon Plan" has an 8 + 2GB/line plan right now (ie 12GB/mo) for about $30 less than my UDP... so I may just give it up after all. But I'll keep digging into my options.

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