Upgrade or switch? (UK networks) - Off-topic

Hi I need advice from you learned people.
I am getting good reports about Three UK.
The problem I have is that because I am in the upgrade period of my contract with Vodafone they are offering me a good deal to stay (4Gig data / unlimited mins & texts for £27pm + £80 up front). I can also easily get by with less then this so I will probably haggle further.
Three obviously have better deals however Vodafone have a very robust phone signal which is why am unsure about moving elsewhere. The phone signal is most important to me & I know that T-mobile is less than perfect using the 1800 frequency, which is the same as Three.
I think Vodafone use this to charge more (as do O2), but I have not had a dropped call or other major problem in 10 years.
I am just trying to weigh up if the money I save on Three will be at the expense of quality of service, in particular the phone signal. I suppose the real question is "do we think that Three have a decent enough phone signal to warrant moving from a really good upgrade offer on Vodafone?"
I do realise I am probably over thinking this but I don't won't to regret a 2 year contract!
Thanks for any advice on this.

ianovic said:
Hi I need advice from you learned people.
I am getting good reports about Three UK.
The problem I have is that because I am in the upgrade period of my contract with Vodafone they are offering me a good deal to stay (4Gig data / unlimited mins & texts for £27pm + £80 up front). I can also easily get by with less then this so I will probably haggle further.
Three obviously have better deals however Vodafone have a very robust phone signal which is why am unsure about moving elsewhere. The phone signal is most important to me & I know that T-mobile is less than perfect using the 1800 frequency, which is the same as Three.
I think Vodafone use this to charge more (as do O2), but I have not had a dropped call or other major problem in 10 years.
I am just trying to weigh up if the money I save on Three will be at the expense of quality of service, in particular the phone signal. I suppose the real question is "do we think that Three have a decent enough phone signal to warrant moving from a really good upgrade offer on Vodafone?"
I do realise I am probably over thinking this but I don't won't to regret a 2 year contract!
Thanks for any advice on this.
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Click to collapse
It depends on your location. I remember that when I was with three, I had almost no signal in my house, IN THE CENTRE OF GLASGOW, where signal should be excellent. But some people says that three has the best signal. I moved myself to t-mobile (now EE) and I never had any problems with signal since then. Maybe buy a pay as you go SIM card on three, and check how it will work?
Sent from my HTC One X.
POLSKAAAAAA BIAAAALOOOO CZEEEERWONIIIII!!!!!!!!!
"Android's source is better than most liquor stores, it's opened 24/7" gallardo5 aka Daniel

Do not go to 3 network. The connection is good and prices are a steal but the customer service will make you commit suicide. I was on three network two years and only once have they tried to help with my network problems. I moved to T-Mobile/EE this year.
T-Mobile/EE have improved their signal ten fold. I have noticed a difference. I barely lose signal and the contracts are pretty good. The customer service is really good. All my problems have been solved.

gallardo5 said:
It depends on your location. I remember that when I was with three, I had almost no signal in my house, IN THE CENTRE OF GLASGOW, where signal should be excellent. But some people says that three has the best signal. I moved myself to t-mobile (now EE) and I never had any problems with signal since then. Maybe buy a pay as you go SIM card on three, and check how it will work?
Sent from my HTC One X.
POLSKAAAAAA BIAAAALOOOO CZEEEERWONIIIII!!!!!!!!!
"Android's source is better than most liquor stores, it's opened 24/7" gallardo5 aka Daniel
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I am still not sure. Three have a much better coverage now. Also CS is not really an issue for me. I don't want to use T-Mobile atm.

From somebody who works for an I dependant UK third party retailer. I wouldn't advise going to three. Upgrade with coda or switch to orange, t-mob or we. Truuuuuust me
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

wiggey1337 said:
From somebody who works for an I dependant UK third party retailer. I wouldn't advise going to three. Upgrade with coda or switch to orange, t-mob or we. Truuuuuust me
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
What do you base this on?
I am finding T-Mob/Orange coverage very patchy compared to Three.

Well, I stayed with Vodafone & haggled an upgrade on a two year contract.
I got a Note 2 GT-N7105 with a £30 cost for the phone which they have forgotten to charge me for. I have unlimited minutes, unlimited texts & 4Gig of data per month all for the cost of £26 per month!!!
As far as I am concerned that is deal of the century so I am very happy.
Thanks for all the help.

Related

Australians please check this !!

Hey y'all,
I'm about to go to Australia for uni.. and i know my question is very much opinion based BUUUUT what company should i get my sim from ? which one offers the best things to ppl that study or dont have too much money?
would appreciate any help... !! Thanks aaaa lot !!
T3ku
How r ya mate. check out.
www.optus.com.au
and
http://www.telstra.com.au/
there the two big 1's
I'm with Telstra as they offer the best coverage and the fact that they give me data connections without costing alot is great so i can use my hd and laptop to use the net.
Vodafone give you great deals to, $29 and you get $150 of calls but i still think the Telstra one is better. When i was the vodafone one, they charge you around 50 cents per 30 seconds or something which is bull****.
Telstra with 40 bucks gives you 9000 seconds which is counted in 10 second increments i think. Also 150 free SMS and you can use that $40 to buy yourself extra calls or data.
Awesome!! Thanks for the replies...I'll check them out n take your comments into consideration..!!
Thanks again!!
Daniel
Au Mobile carriers
T3ku said:
Awesome!! Thanks for the replies...I'll check them out n take your comments into consideration..!!
Thanks again!!
Daniel
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Click to collapse
Hi Daniel.
I quit Telstra 10 years ago because of poor service and hi cost.
Was with Vodafone for a long time but got a bill for $600 when I went over my plan last year. Voda don't let you know promptly and accurately where you stand with your usage, (easy to go over without knowing). Got no satisfaction from Voda and switched to Virgin.
Never tried Optus apart from prepaid.
Coverage is on par with Voda.
Virgin use the Optus network but give better rates and low cost data.
I went over my plan late last year and received a courtesy text to let me know. I had a very minor increase for going over substantially.
Am very happy with Virgin.
Good to hear different opinions !!!
Thanks a lot.
T3ku said:
Good to hear different opinions !!!
Thanks a lot.
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Click to collapse
Been with Vodafone, Virgin then Three. Of these carriers I found Three to be the best for my needs. (e.g. cheap)
They have cheap caps and data usage costs are the lowest of all the carriers.
Only hitch is coverage. If you are in a metropolitan area you'll have no issues, but out of metro/low coverage areas you'll roam to Telstra's network and pay thru the @ss for the privilege of doing so.
Good place to start to compare the different plans available.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=943488
Three and Vodafone will likely be merging in Australia so this will affect prices & coverage.
Thanks Capeli ..
I started with a $10 per month/1GB plan with Virgin. Received two bills with about $1300 each in two different months. Managed both times to prove that I did not incur the usage as they claim. Be careful. They have ways to get you back big time. Now using Optus at twice the cost and same quota. Different billing system although the same company. No problem with Optus so far yet. If you want to research more on customer experiences with different Telco or evaluate different plans available, go here:
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/
alright.. ill sure do some research first
thanks
Hey, so many Swiss come to AU for Uni.. like Dolph Lungdren he did Uni at Syd, anway just wondered why that is.
Vodaphone is best my friend. I have been with them all over 15years.
You can buy a SIM for $2 to start.
I'm on the $79 plan which gives you like $550 worth of calls, txt etc
I have not seen any other co. offer these sorta deals.
Telstra and Optus are known as the most expensive as they own everything telco related over here.
I guess you will need internet too, so I would strictly avoid Telstra & Optus for Broadband...
I think for $29 you get $150 worth of calls and text, which is awsome! on vodaphone.
I have only ever been over my $79 cap 1 time in 19mths, it costed me like $100, but you can easily dial 1512 to see how much you have used and how much left.. don't worry about that!
x86 said:
Hey, so many Swiss come to AU for Uni.. like Dolph Lungdren he did Uni at Syd, anway just wondered why that is.
Vodaphone is best my friend. I have been with them all over 15years.
You can buy a SIM for $2 to start.
I'm on the $79 plan which gives you like $550 worth of calls, txt etc
I have not seen any other co. offer these sorta deals.
Telstra and Optus are known as the most expensive as they own everything telco related over here.
I guess you will need internet too, so I would strictly avoid Telstra & Optus for Broadband...
I think for $29 you get $150 worth of calls and text, which is awsome! on vodaphone.
I have only ever been over my $79 cap 1 time in 19mths, it costed me like $100, but you can easily dial 1512 to see how much you have used and how much left.. don't worry about that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much download quota do you get for your phone plan?
x86 said:
Hey, so many Swiss come to AU for Uni.. like Dolph Lungdren he did Uni at Syd, anway just wondered why that is.
Vodaphone is best my friend. I have been with them all over 15years.
You can buy a SIM for $2 to start.
I'm on the $79 plan which gives you like $550 worth of calls, txt etc
I have not seen any other co. offer these sorta deals.
Telstra and Optus are known as the most expensive as they own everything telco related over here.
I guess you will need internet too, so I would strictly avoid Telstra & Optus for Broadband...
I think for $29 you get $150 worth of calls and text, which is awsome! on vodaphone.
I have only ever been over my $79 cap 1 time in 19mths, it costed me like $100, but you can easily dial 1512 to see how much you have used and how much left.. don't worry about that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe Mr. Lundgren is from Sweden xD a lot of ppl mix it up, so dont worry.
I will certainly compare and contrast all the different opinions u gave here... I'll even try to inform y'all on my final decision as soon as i signed with one of em..
Thanks again !

Best Mobile Operator for the UK?

Well, i'm with T-Mobile and i've finally finished my contract. I've hated t-mobile ever since i started it. Terrible signal, terrible internet speeds, terrible customer service and terrible prices for upgrades. To upgrade to a Xperia X10 from my G1 (not upgrading though, as i have a Nexus) it would extend my contract, cost me an extra £10 a month (so up to £30!) AND the phone would cost me £290! I mean, i can get hold of the phone on its own for £230!
Basically, i cannot stand t-mobile any longer and i was wondering what operators you are all with and how happy you are with them.
My girlfriend's on Orange so i'm leaning towards them at the moment.
Cheers guys
I am also in the same boat but I think I have to choose Vodafone or 02, I believe they have the best mobile internet in the UK, been happy with t-mobile most the time but signal is non existent in my work place, think it's because they have the **** spectrum. So I can't see any improvement until the gov auctions off the better part but that won't be till 2011.
I left T-Mobile for O2 a few years ago and have not looked back. Orange are also good though - if I ever ran into an issue that prompted me to leave O2, I'd go to Orange.
O2 PAYG,quite good
get lots of free texts and minutes,plus 3g allowance for a month worth 7 quid
Just rang up and cancelled, meaning to do this for a while August last bill, might order a few free sims to test how the networks are.
I've been with T-Mobile for 15 years (since they were Mercury One2One). I haven't had too many problems, although I'm probably only still with them because I was getting a loyalty bonus.
One thing to bear in mind is that they are merging with Orange so we will be able to use their network, so it might be worth seeing what they will offer you in the way of reducing your bill if you stay with them, especially as you don't need a new handset.
I think also the data allowance is better on T-Mobile as well (I get 3GB), I think you generally get less with the other UK networks. Also roaming data is quite good (£10 for 50MB in EU).
Good point. I might ring up and threaten to cancel to see if i can get a good deal out of them
Thanks for your help everyone!
You'll find lots of people saying every network has the worst coverage and the worst customer server and the worst deals. The truth is...
Network Coverage:
All networks have pretty good coverage, except Three. They will roam you onto Orange as their 2g backup, and if you use 2g alot they will hassle you and posibly cut you off.
In my experience Orange have the worst overall coverage out of the 4 other networks.
Three and T-Mobile have a RAN sharing agreement which means they share 3g radio towers, so they curently have very good 3g coverage. Three are on a push to upgrade their 3g network so this can only help.
You're best bet is to find a friend with the network you're thinking of going to and check reception in the main places you will use it. Probably home and work. If you can't find a friend then go pick up a pay as you go sim for 1 pound and use that to check. You can actually get free sims from every network from their website too.
Every network has blackspots - some really bad, and this usually leads to some forum rant about how that particular network is total ****e, with another one 3 posts down about how that network's reception is amazing! It ultimatly depends where you live.
Worst customer service
Although some networks have been known to have totally terible customer services in the past (three), most have shaped up and are reasonably good. Like everything the experience goes up and down over the months, and todays amazing network is tommorows dog. If you had a reall bad experience with t-mobile then move (see next section), if only for your own sanity! Otherwise you'll probably have a short fuse every time you call them from now on.
Again ask friends etc about how they're finding customer service. Usually one or tworeally bad experience end up in rants on forums, and the worst stories always stick in the mind.
worst deals
Staying with the same network will never get you a great deal. Most networks have a ratio that the retentions team look at. It shows how much you use your phone and how much it has actually cost them. For example if you have 900 mins and make mostly t-mobile only calls you'll have a better ratio than others. They also look at how long you've been with them, how many months out of contract (before u took a new phone etc).
All these things means that _sometimes_ people get amazing deals, because the specific person you speak to decides you ar worth keeping no matter what. Typically tho you will end up calling customer services yourself and talk to a minion who spouts the standard deals and has only a marginal discount to offer.
Remember if you move network you will ALWAYS get a better deal. Look at all the new contract deals out there, even at places like phones4u. Dont every expect your network to match those, they wont. There may be the odd story about someone getting some amazing deal, but its rare.
Just get you PAC code and use it with a third party seller to get the best deal you can. And dont look back.
Interesting comments.
I've been with T-Mobile ever since I moved to the UK two years ago. My contract ran out a month or so ago and I was looking around if there are better operators. Everyone had something bad to say about all of them: O2, Vodafone, Orange, 3 - but no one said anything bad about T-Mobile. My experience was also quite good with them, so I stayed
I guess I should try other carriers just to see what kind of coverage and speeds they provide, but T-Mobile meets my needs fully, so I don't see any point to leave.

POLL: UK 4G PLANS And Would You Trade 3G Ulimited Data? Nexus 5 on the Way

Just trying to figure out if anyone had a previous 4G LTE plan prior to ordering the N5 and if its proved to be worth it or Not. Being New to that whole side of LTE things. How much GB allowance do you receive a month and average use total.
I have a 3G unlimited plan on O2 which are rare lately since 3 network is the only network that doesn't unlimited DAT at me moment.
Now the nexus 5 is 4G ready in the UK is it really worth chasing a 4G plan yet or wait because 3g works quite fine at moment with hotspots everywhere. Cheapest 4g plan is around £26 for 1gb I think. I didn't even mention 500mb cors that's just silly to even consider on 4G.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
In the same boat as yourself at the moment - (o2 simplicity with unlimited data)... Going to switch to giff-gaff (12 quid bundle) and wait it out and see whether 4G prices drop...
At the moment from what I can gather, EE have the monopoly coverage wise so hopefully when the competition kicks in prices will drop.
Certainly don't want to get tied into a long 4G contract at the moment to find high prices & crap coverage ruins the experience...
I'm currently on 3 with an iPhone 5. Going to stick with them if I get a Nexus 5. 2000 minutes, 5000 3-3 minutes, 5000 texts, Totally Unlimited data with unlimited tethering, and 4G at no extra cost in December, all for just £15 a month
As nellisere says, the best one for me is 3. 4g coming next month (very limited) and is cheap and reliable with excellent HSDPA coverage (left voda on my n4 after 8 months of crap service).
I'd look around
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
4G isn't in my city yet so I won't be switching until that happens, obviously.
Three is the best for data.
Up to 20mb (10-15mb average) on 3G.
Truly unlimited for £12.90 a month.
And 4G will be free - no charge difference or plan changes.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA-Premium 4
I think I'm going to leave Orange due to poor network coverage, and move to Three.
Nellisere - think I'll get that same plan that you're already on. is the unlimited tethering available for new customers do you know? I've looked on their website but can't find confirmation about that. Cheers.
Another vote for three from me, get great 3G (15 - 20 Mbps) and when 4G turns up it won't cost me any extra. Totally unlimited data as well, I recently used nearly a gigabyte while on holiday in Italy at no extra cost due to their "Feel At Home" deal.
Three is awesome
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
My dad is on Vodafone and barely gets any decent signal on his S4 and all so I can't expect any better. 02 simplicity has been awesome for me. Only capped once. I'm waiting to see what they do then 3 week brings completion. I was using the n4 before never really bothered much before.
Seems like 3 is the one to watch but is EE coverage that good. Cors its definitely too pricey for me.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Does anyone know if, when 3 changes to LTE in December, will the change in frequency improve penetration into buildings? I had heard somewhere that this would be the case but not really found any info (not looked properly yet to be honest!) Just got my n5 today (a beast!) And want to take advantage of LTE when it arrives, as well as Google music... can't really do so just now as it uses so much data.
Tried a 3 sim but not much use in my flat as the signal is non existent... on virgin "unlimited" but capped after 3.5GB, would love the option to have truly unlimited, LTE would be a bonus ..
Edit: sorry for changing the subject a wee bit - I use approx 2-3gb per month, but that's with me being careful... don't use the phone that much for Google music, but would deff use it more if I had unlimited!
...sent from the Nexus 5000
I will probably stay on Tesco network for 4G (but only upgrade when they have 4G in my city) for only £2.50 extra. Three is tempting but who knows when they will have 4G in my area - I can't imagine Plymouth is anywhere near their top priority list. Plus, I must keep my phone number and it'd be quite a hassle to switch networks while keeping same number. Then again, unlimited data would be great. I don't use 3G that much at the moment as WiFi is faster but that would change with 4G so I would appreciate unlimited data then! I may switch but I don't expect there will be 4G on any network in Plymouth for at least another year anyways.
androidsnax said:
Does anyone know if, when 3 changes to LTE in December, will the change in frequency improve penetration into buildings? I had heard somewhere that this would be the case but not really found any info (not looked properly yet to be honest!) Just got my n5 today (a beast!) And want to take advantage of LTE when it arrives, as well as Google music... can't really do so just now as it uses so much data.
Tried a 3 sim but not much use in my flat as the signal is non existent... on virgin "unlimited" but capped after 3.5GB, would love the option to have truly unlimited, LTE would be a bonus ..
Edit: sorry for changing the subject a wee bit - I use approx 2-3gb per month, but that's with me being careful... don't use the phone that much for Google music, but would deff use it more if I had unlimited!
...sent from the Nexus 5000
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I'm also with Three but I have to disagree with their 3G and HSDPA being lightning fast. There have been numerous occasions where I have had no signal in Central London! Also, at home (I live in London also), I get a speed of 5-6Mbps on my iPhone 5.
That said, I'm hoping their signals and speed improve. I certainly can't complain for unlimited data and tethering for £15.
IdodgerI said:
I think I'm going to leave Orange due to poor network coverage, and move to Three.
Nellisere - think I'll get that same plan that you're already on. is the unlimited tethering available for new customers do you know? I've looked on their website but can't find confirmation about that. Cheers.
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Click to collapse
Tethering free only on The One plan. Ie £15pm 12month contract, or £18pm on 30 day rolling. I'm on the former and have no complaints with 3.
Sent from N4 ?
I was once a happy T-Mobile customer for 24 months until September when I moved to giffgaff on the £10 goodybag. Wherever I was, I always seemed to have signal with T-Mobile, usually 3G or HSDPA most of the time.
Along with the great signal, my T-Mobile deal was simply brilliant: 600 minutes, 500 texts, Unlimited Internet and a free phone (a Wildfire S) for just £11 a month! It seemed however that T-Mobile did not care much for my custom as in the 25th month (after the 24 month offer) the price doubled to £22! I then quickly grabbed a PAC Code (surprisingly very easy) and switched to giffgaff.
However, since my Nexus 5 purchase, I'm looking for a 4G deal and Three is calling to me with it's '4G at no extra cost' promise. Can anyone on Three vouch for it's signal strength, stability and speed?
artturnip said:
I was once a happy T-Mobile customer for 24 months until September when I moved to giffgaff on the £10 goodybag. Wherever I was, I always seemed to have signal with T-Mobile, usually 3G or HSDPA most of the time.
Along with the great signal, my T-Mobile deal was simply brilliant: 600 minutes, 500 texts, Unlimited Internet and a free phone (a Wildfire S) for just £11 a month! It seemed however that T-Mobile did not care much for my custom as in the 25th month (after the 24 month offer) the price doubled to £22! I then quickly grabbed a PAC Code (surprisingly very easy) and switched to giffgaff.
However, since my Nexus 5 purchase, I'm looking for a 4G deal and Three is calling to me with it's '4G at no extra cost' promise. Can anyone on Three vouch for it's signal strength, stability and speed?
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Click to collapse
No. As it's unlikely that we live, work and visit same areas as you. You have 7 days to cancel though. I've been all around London, Cambridge, Oxford and few other places and the only place that wasn't too good was Cambridge. Now and again you get a bad spot, but it's so small that it looks like a local issue with a mast rather than poor coverage.
Sent from N4 ?
Arturnip it depends on location so where do you live? Personally I live in Plymouth and everywhere I go apart from forde valley and manedon main road I have excellent signal, it is more reliable than Orange/t-mobile/virgin from my personal experience (cant comment on O2 but family on vodafone and it seems terrible) and much faster for instance at my place of work I get 20mb/s with <90ms ping on Three but on T-mobile I got 8mb(same as Virgin) and on Orange I got 2mb with high ping, glad I left Orange as it was one of the worst and the most expensive! Currently paying £8.50 a month for one plan at Three due to some deals added together (12 month contract) so very happy as its cheap as chips, extremely fast and can only get better with FREE (or close to it...) 4g! Shame its arriving sometime next year and not now .
I'm happy enough with Three's DC-HSDPA speeds
Switch to Three! There 3G speeds are nuts I get around 15Mbit DL and 5Mbit UL. They are rolling out 4G over the next year or so and will not be charging extra for it, meaning if you have a 3G unlimited data plan you will still have unlimited data with 4G.
Three are the only UK provider that will offer unlimited 4G with no extra cost, madness when you compare what EE are offering.
I'm happy with three.
Also on the one plan unlimited internet and tethering for £15 a month is a steal! (Includes 4G when available also).
All depends on there coverage in the places you visit most and people can't tell you on here. Grab a sim (even PAYG) and try it. Can always cancel.
Here is my speeds and I don't exactly live in a high populated area. (Nottinghamshire)
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Thinking about moving over from Verizon for the Note 4...

I just wanted to put a feeler out there. Hopefully those who may have switched from Verizon might chime in and give me some helpful advice.
I've been with Verizon since the GS3 came out and I've had it with that company. They have excellent service, and I have signal just about anywhere I go, but there are a lot of things about them that bother me, and I'm ready to jump ship. This all started when I had a Note 4 in hand at the VZW store the other day, and after speaking to the ASSociate there, I'm ready to leave. I'm on the EDGE plan (kinda like JUMP), and was an early adopter to that, so I had the 50% pay off to get a new phone after 11 mo. First thing I don't like is the cost. With a 21% discount, I was paying $121/mo for the Note 3 with 5GB data, 450min, and 1000 text messages (I never used up the minutes or texts). I didn't think that was too outrageous since I was paying off that N3 every month, and I was OK with it because I'm a complete nerd and like to have a new phone every year. However, they now want you to pay off 75% of the phone over 18 months. What is that bs? If I'm paying 75% of an $800 phone, I might as well just sell it on eBay. Another issue is the bootloader, of course. Verizon locks down their phones hardcore. Even rooting them is a chore on VZW, and I'm tired of it. I'm not even a huge "power-user". I just like to have my Titanium Backup and freedom of controlling my system apps. T-Mobile obviously doesn't have any of these issues, but everyone I talk to says the service isn't that great, especially in rural areas. I take a lot of trips to remote locations, and fear that I will not have signal at any of them. For a person who always has their phone on them and is an extension of themselves, this could be a deal-breaker.
Any advice? I'm seriously considering it, and TMo is sending me an iPhone 5s to test this week, but I'm still afraid of the commitment.
I just traded in my Verizon Note 3 and switched to tmobile. I am loving it so far. I actually get better reception that Verizon here in my part of Pittsburgh. I recently upgraded to the unlimited 4g plan and decided I am going to ditch Comcast too. I will get a Chromecast and/or MHL cable to hook my note up to my tv and occasionally for youtube ans netflix, wifi Hotspot when I am using the computer.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
i made the switch from verizon to t-mobile on friday. i'm giving up verizon's unlimited data plan because they won't let me upgrade unless i pay full price or give up the unlimited. i chose to go with t-mobile's $80 unlimited everything plan w/ 5gb of hotspot. my situation is a little different than yours, though. i was already a t-mobile customer (back when they were voicestream until 2010), so i already know what i'm getting myself into in terms of quality (plus, my parents, brother, and sister-in-law are on t-mobile). i live in chicago also, so that makes a difference. i've never had an issue with t-mobile's service. the only reason i had originally switched the first time is because when the smartphone race began, t-mobile had some of the worst selections.
again, i live in chicago, so your results might vary, but i did a ookla speedtest on my brother's note 4 (on t-mobile) and my galaxy s4 (on verizon) and his numbers beat my numbers consistently (which genuinely surprised me).
Do the T-mobile test drive first available here http://explore.t-mobile.com/test-drive-free-trial?cmpid=WTR_PB_N62kxn2C&002=2202007&004=13691619257&005=47088372328&006=45480286217&007=Search&008=&025=c&026=&gclid=Cj0KEQjwt7KiBRD9lOePpe_BhrgBEiQAHaS_116jcCU3lPFxN-073akQkOmUEMwL_jAlA8fhsqPxLb4aAuDY8P8HAQ. They will send you a phone to try out for a week. I wanted to switch, but found out that they actually have no service at my home and half of the areas on my way to work, even though on their website it says there is full 2g service in all these places. Their coverage map is extremely misleading. Just read all the customer dissatisfaction with coverage via this link. http://support.t-mobile.com/community/coverage/content?filterID=contentstatus%5Bpublished%5D~objecttype~objecttype%5Bthread%5D
Cicatrize said:
I just wanted to put a feeler out there. Hopefully those who may have switched from Verizon might chime in and give me some helpful advice.
I've been with Verizon since the GS3 came out and I've had it with that company. They have excellent service, and I have signal just about anywhere I go, but there are a lot of things about them that bother me, and I'm ready to jump ship. This all started when I had a Note 4 in hand at the VZW store the other day, and after speaking to the ASSociate there, I'm ready to leave. I'm on the EDGE plan (kinda like JUMP), and was an early adopter to that, so I had the 50% pay off to get a new phone after 11 mo. First thing I don't like is the cost. With a 21% discount, I was paying $121/mo for the Note 3 with 5GB data, 450min, and 1000 text messages (I never used up the minutes or texts). I didn't think that was too outrageous since I was paying off that N3 every month, and I was OK with it because I'm a complete nerd and like to have a new phone every year. However, they now want you to pay off 75% of the phone over 18 months. What is that bs? If I'm paying 75% of an $800 phone, I might as well just sell it on eBay. Another issue is the bootloader, of course. Verizon locks down their phones hardcore. Even rooting them is a chore on VZW, and I'm tired of it. I'm not even a huge "power-user". I just like to have my Titanium Backup and freedom of controlling my system apps. T-Mobile obviously doesn't have any of these issues, but everyone I talk to says the service isn't that great, especially in rural areas. I take a lot of trips to remote locations, and fear that I will not have signal at any of them. For a person who always has their phone on them and is an extension of themselves, this could be a deal-breaker.
Any advice? I'm seriously considering it, and TMo is sending me an iPhone 5s to test this week, but I'm still afraid of the commitment.
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Click to collapse
I made the switch yesterday . Screw Verizon I had the note 3 and was out of contract . So I just switched over got the note 4 and so far so good . I stay in Caldwell Idaho .
NWNJ said:
Do the T-mobile test drive first available here http://explore.t-mobile.com/test-drive-free-trial?cmpid=WTR_PB_N62kxn2C&002=2202007&004=13691619257&005=47088372328&006=45480286217&007=Search&008=&025=c&026=&gclid=Cj0KEQjwt7KiBRD9lOePpe_BhrgBEiQAHaS_116jcCU3lPFxN-073akQkOmUEMwL_jAlA8fhsqPxLb4aAuDY8P8HAQ. They will send you a phone to try out for a week. I wanted to switch, but found out that they actually have no service at my home and half of the areas on my way to work, even though on their website it says there is full 2g service in all these places. Their coverage map is extremely misleading. Just read all the customer dissatisfaction with coverage via this link. http://support.t-mobile.com/community/coverage/content?filterID=contentstatus%5Bpublished%5D~objecttype~objecttype%5Bthread%5D
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Click to collapse
I think my anger with Verizon caused me to leave that part out of my long post, lol. I did that, and they're sending me an iPhone 5s to test, which will be here on Tuesday. I'm excited to try it out, but the consensus around my office with T-Mobile customers is that it's not very good service. Time will tell, I guess.
How is T-Mobile's customer service? I was a T-Mo customer about 10 years ago and it was excellent back then.
JUST DO IT. VERIZON SUCKS. COMPLETELY OVER RATES THEM SELVES.
I've had better coverage data speeds and call quality in the last week with my note 4 then the last 8 years with Verizon. Not to mention Tmobiles not a bunch of ****ing blood suckers.
I switched from att to tmobile two weeks. I'm in northern new jersey and I'm not looking back. I originally got the note 3 but decided I wanted to make sure I had the latest phone so I got the note 4 before the return period was up. I ported over two lines and a tablet. I'm saving about $50 per month on tmobile. The service has been great so far. The speeds have been excellent and coverage at my job and house is five bars. The fact that their phones have unlocked bootloaders is of course a plus. I'd say if coverage is good then make the switch.
Taking Notes on my Note 4
Well these are interesting responses.
As far as my work goes, nothing seems to penetrate that building except AT&T, which would be nice, but they have the same issues that Verizon has. It's interesting, because I thought TMo piggy backed off of AT&T towers for roaming...
Depends on the service in your area. I live in NYC so I've notice hardly any difference in service and faster speeds with T-mobile. However if you travel a lot I would say Verizon is better because that map does not lie, you really do have service everywhere with them.
idelgado782 said:
I switched from att to tmobile two weeks. I'm in northern new jersey and I'm not looking back. I originally got the note 3 but decided I wanted to make sure I had the latest phone so I got the note 4 before the return period was up. I ported over two lines and a tablet. I'm saving about $50 per month on tmobile. The service has been great so far. The speeds have been excellent and coverage at my job and house is five bars. The fact that their phones have unlocked bootloaders is of course a plus. I'd say if coverage is good then make the switch.
Taking Notes on my Note 4
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Click to collapse
Ditto. I switched from Verizon this past Thursday and not looking back. I love the freedom with bootloaders. I was with TMob 8 years ago and the service to be honest was horrible. But now TMob has greatly improved. I haven't dropped calls and data speeds are fast.
Cicatrize said:
Well these are interesting responses.
As far as my work goes, nothing seems to penetrate that building except AT&T, which would be nice, but they have the same issues that Verizon has. It's interesting, because I thought TMo piggy backed off of AT&T towers for roaming...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
p()()pypants said:
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting. I didn't know that. Did they give an eta when they expect to turn on those frequencies?
Taking Notes
p()()pypants said:
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the 700MHz spectrum they're rolling out? Link here: https://sites.google.com/site/cellularbinder/t-mobile-700a-spectrum
If that's the case, I'm in Southwest Michigan, and it looks like they need to clear up some stuff before that happens in my area (if I'm reading that correctly)?
EDIT: Also, is not the 700MHz for LTE band 12 only? I would love to have LTE inside of work, but less necessary than just a regular GSM phone signal.
Verizon sucks...PERIOD
the ONLY reason to even consider them is if you need coverage in the most obscure areas of the US; if not, kick those scumbags to the curb..
If you have decent coverage in your area, then no one can beat T-mobile for coverage, price, customer service, and everything else.
Do the test drive, go to all the areas you are concerned about, and if you get coverage, then switch
wase4711 said:
Verizon sucks...PERIOD
the ONLY reason to even consider them is if you need coverage in the most obscure areas of the US; if not, kick those scumbags to the curb..
If you have decent coverage in your area, then no one can beat T-mobile for coverage, price, customer service, and everything else.
Do the test drive, go to all the areas you are concerned about, and if you get coverage, then switch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My fiancee and I are both geocachers and use an app to post our finds immediately, so we do actually need coverage in obscure areas. We often have trouble even with Verizon, but that trouble is 1-2 bars of 3G. I'm hoping that doesn't translate into zero signal with T-Mobile. You are right, though. The plan is to do the test drive and see how it goes. With an unlocked bootloader and an eventual SIM unlock, I could always switch to AT&T if it ends up not working out very well. I have none of those freedoms with Verizon.
yeah, as much as I dislike "the deathstar", I hate verizon more, so given the choice of 2 evils, ATT would be your way out..
but, here again, go nuts on the 7 day tmobile test drive and see how good/bad they are in your area..
I use AT&T go phone prepaid with my tmo gn4. $60mo unl talk and text and 3gb LTE. I can add additional lte at $10 per gb. Just have to pay full price for my devices. I LOVE my set up. I travel, so tmo isn't an option for me. Hope you find a set up. Also, vz just released their prepaid plan mostly the same at $65mo with LTE service, and they're getting the gn4 developer edition with bootloader unlocked. Again, just have to pay full price.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
I have both so I know. I'd go with TM any day. Don't think about it. Just do it. Depending on your usage, if you don't talk much, the $30 pre paid plan is unbeatable. 5gb of data.
Well I've had this iPhone for an hour now. Hate the phone, but one thing I've seen already is the LTE speed is DOUBLE what I get from Verizon. It gets around 40mbps down and 10mbps up in my house, which is ridiculous. I can't even get that on Verizon outside with full bars.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Has anyone ditched Sprint mid contract and gone to TMobile (California)??

I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point regarding the use of the data once you actually get better service, I'm certain that it will increase. So, you're right, I may have to go with unlimited. Yeah, the coverage map for sprint is much worse than TMobile's. In fact TMobile's 3G is faster than Sprints 4LTE.
Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.
I also just ditched Sprint, data speed is faster and more reliable for me.
puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mgbotoe said:
Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? That is cool. I didn'tt know that.
heyjoojoo said:
I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the switch (in Mass.) after 10+ years with Sprint. Just got sick of their lousy LTE, and also wanted better international options. It's only been a few weeks, but I haven't been hit with the Sprint ETF yet. Anyone know how long it usually takes?
I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian
kg6bki said:
I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, exact same story for me. I was tired of their "promises to upgrade", it never happened. I left Sprint and never looked back. We had to use our credit card to pay Sprints ETF because they wanted full payment when we ended. It took us about 1 1/2 month to get our rebate card, but this was when T-Mobile started this deal so it might be quicker now. I have the 3GB of LTE data and never go over it since most of the place I am at have WiFi. And now with there rollover data plan, I am set! I live in Los Angeles county but I have had great service and speed from San Diego to Santa Cruz.
Just an FYI, sprint will let you out of the contract if you roam too much.
Right before we switched away from Sprint, we drove across the country and roamed practically the entire trip. The next month we called up and they offered to cancel our contract if we sent the phones back. Done and done.
The only real problem with t-mobile reimbursement system is it can 1-2 months for them to reimburse you. They did 2 of my 3 lines in just over a month, and it took almost 2 more months for the 3rd cuz they kept denying it despite it being legitimate.

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