I've had a Sprint SERO plan for years. Service was always crappy here in the SF Bay Area, but, the price was cheap (SERO is a good deal) and there was always the promise that things would get better - the current promise being Spark.
I bought a Nexus 5 thinking it was the phone I wanted, and that I would recoup some of the Sprint subsidy I wasn't getting by getting a subsidized iPhone and then selling it on ebay.
Since the phone was unlocked and GSM capable, I thought, what the heck, I'll buy a Straight Talk prepaid AT&T SIM and try it for a month. After a week I terminated Sprint (I was out of contract.)
It was a whole new world. I could drive from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge and back without the call dropping once. I could drive from San Francisco to Marin County across the Golden Gate Bridge and up the Waldo grade without the call dropping 3 times. I could take out the phone practically anywhere and the internet would work reasonably fast, rather than having about a 50% chance of getting the webpage I wanted.
I could get the phone on the network by simply inserting the SIM card, no hassle of reading long MEID numbers to a phone agent, no scrounging around for a SIM card that was always out of stock. I had LTE service right away, rather than at some indeterminate point in the future when they would fix the towers so that they could work with my phone.
I can be on the internet and talk on the phone at the same time.
I don't mean this to be a rant, but to inspire others. If you are on Sprint and out of contract, try a prepaid AT&T SIM and see if you see the radical difference I did (this would include AT&T Gophone, AIO, Straight Talk, and others, Straight Talk being the chepaest of the bunch at $45 per month.)
Did the same but went with T-Mobile and their $30 prepaid plan (5g of 4G data but only 100 min talk) and have not looked back. Sprint was, to a degree, a failed service for me and at close to $90 a month for unlimited but unusable data and talk, life now just seems easy.
As a note, the 100 mins of talk time seem limiting and might be for some who need to talk on the road. For me, as a Google Voice user, I have the Obi box at home and call forwarding to my work phone. Additional minutes are 10 cents/min extra, so if you keep some extra dough in your T-Mo account, you won't see any cutoffs as it'll just debit your account. Either way, Sprint was just too full of promises and too slow on the implementation.
Congratz! Sprint sux's!
I guess this is an illustration of how locked phones are dangerous for the carriers - makes it too easy to shop around.
You really hit the nail on the head when you said "life now just seems easy." After being on Sprint, reliability and dependability is a welcome change. You just know it will work.
jgreemo said:
Did the same but went with T-Mobile and their $30 prepaid plan (5g of 4G data but only 100 min talk) and have not looked back. Sprint was, to a degree, a failed service for me and at close to $90 a month for unlimited but unusable data and talk, life now just seems easy.
As a note, the 100 mins of talk time seem limiting and might be for some who need to talk on the road. For me, as a Google Voice user, I have the Obi box at home and call forwarding to my work phone. Additional minutes are 10 cents/min extra, so if you keep some extra dough in your T-Mo account, you won't see any cutoffs as it'll just debit your account. Either way, Sprint was just too full of promises and too slow on the implementation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did the same, but dropped for Aio instead ($55 for unlim talk/text and 2gb at high speed before throttled). I'd been with Sprint for 10+ years, so was a little hesitant, but coverage was so bad that I dropped ASAP, even paying an ETF. Turns out, I should have been more brave months ago, as Aio has better coverage in my area than Sprint ever did. I can actually use data inside buildings, what?! I agree with the OP on this being a whole new world. Having a shiny new N5 definitely isn't hurting my opinion either.
breannesp said:
I just did the same, but dropped for Aio instead ($55 for unlim talk/text and 2gb at high speed before throttled). I'd been with Sprint for 10+ years, so was a little hesitant, but coverage was so bad that I dropped ASAP, even paying an ETF. Turns out, I should have been more brave months ago, as Aio has better coverage in my area than Sprint ever did. I can actually use data inside buildings, what?! I agree with the OP on this being a whole new world. Having a shiny new N5 definitely isn't hurting my opinion either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does AIO have LTE?
Man do you guys live in 3rd world countries? J/k tell us how things are in a year from now. Its just crazy how different parts of the country are at n t sucks here almost bad as t mobile. To much interference with the gsm signals.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I preordered the N5 a month before my Verizon contract ended and hopped on the GSM ship. Has been smooth sailing thus far!!!
Went with Aio's $55/month plan and have been LOVING IT. Verizon's ~$100/month with unlimited data just wasn't worth it after all.
I have been reassured that when Aio (who is owned by AT&T) get's absorbed by Cricket (who's parent company is now owned by AT&T) in the near future my plan will stay the same, and continue to use AT&T's nationwide LTE.
I will gauge my experience when the switch happens and decide whether to try GoPhone (another AT&T prepaid, assuming AT&T doesn't fold it in with the Cricket brand name as well) or try T-Mobile's $60 plans. That is the beauty of GSM + Nexus devices. Freedom. That plus the dev support and international compatibility. Ya, I realize some Verizon phones can accomplish that as well, but come on. Verizon = they control you and your device
When I was on Verizon (Galaxy Nexus) I was streaming a lot of music in the car using 6-8 gigs/month. Never thought I could give up my grandfathered unlimited data! When I switched to Aio I started pinning (caching) my music when I got my Nexus 5 instead of streaming it, and now I only use about 800mb/month. Couldn't believe it!
I encourage everyone to join the GSM bandwagon :good:
I bought the Nexus 5 for the same reason I am going to ride my contract out on Sprint until March(cuz I'm a cheap bastard and don't want to pay an etf) but have been weighing my options in the meantime can't wait to be off this **** network. Side note I am on a family plan with 4 family members and pay my mom $30/month for unlimited everything and I still need to switch unlimited is a joke when you can't call or connect to anything.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
You're right that GSM is just so much nicer than CDMA.
yeah..... im on sprint and regretting it. still stuck on bloody 56k quality 3g. ****.
Related
THIS SUCKS!
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/atandt-agrees-to-buy-t-mobile-from-deutsche-telekom/
Welcome to AT&T Wireless...
All I can say is F_*$
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I'm interested to know what carrier / pre-paid option you chose & how your voice service & data performance is.
I might make the jump come next year, I'm patient enough to hold out for a 32GB version (I have a feeling it'll come Q1 2013). :fingers-crossed:
I'm worried about chooing T-Mobile, I don't know anyone on T-Mobile but their HSPA+ is tempting as is getting a better data deal
However AT&T seems to be proven but the people who I knew that had AT&T have either switched to Sprint or Verizon.
Your help is appreciated.
Thanks.
Edit: This forum is too active
I use T-mobile. I've been happy with both their voice and data service for years now - I switched when the G1 came out.
If you go camping/etc you'll probably run into coverage issues. However, in the Philadelphia suburbs you're not going to have problems, beyond the rare issue in a building or whatever that everybody has. I've found the coverage map on their website to be accurate - it has a google-maps-like interface and you can see coverage down to the street level.
Definitely get an unsubsidized plan. With monthly payments if you buy a phone from them it is no more expensive than the subsidized plans anyway. However, it gives you the flexibility to go elsewhere for your gear or update on your own schedule penalty-free. Obviously paying $350 for a Nexus 4 makes a lot more sense than paying $600 for the exact same device.
Compared to Verizon or ATT you'll save buckets of cash.
I'd say go att if you plan on going to south jersey. Edge sucks.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
T-mobile for the past 6 years in Philly and surrounding areas. I really can't complain. I have the occasional issue in a particular building or someone's house but I'm paying $50/mo. Their service has gradually become better year after year. I would definitely recommend.
I'm on AT&T in the Philadelphia area, and their HSPA+ here is sloooowwww. I'm lucky if I get 2-4mbps. The coverage is great (I switched from Verizon, and AT&T is much better in the areas that I frequent) but the speed is meh. Still much better than 3G, but nothing like the speeds I've heard of from T-mobile.
T-Mobile value here. The shore and poconos are much spottier than AT&T but delco, at least, is better. I never really did any wireless speed tests to compare.
the ~$600 a year savings made it a no brainer for me.
I'm out in Montgomery County and have been on Straight Talk AT&T for a while. Just got my new sim for ST T-Mobile. All I did was call them and gave them the new SIM PIN and within an hour or so, all was done. Costs 48/month with all unlimited, throttling data after 2GBs? I don't use that much data so I'm not sure. Coverage for AT&T was fine, but data speeds were slow. T-Mobile is already giving me about double the speeds: 6741kpbs down 2211kbps up. I'm guessing it'll be faster when I'm in the city. The SIM cards only cost ~10 bucks with free overnight shipping. I'd say go with ST if you don't need over 2GBs of data and then you can try both and be totally content with your decision.
Didn't think T-Mobile would get the nod here. I do work in Center City West so I was worried about the building I'm in and around me. But I have to remember I'm ok, given I'm not tied down.
Sent from my iPod Touch 5
Sorry if there is an post like this but I didn't see one already.
I was a Verizon customer for years before smart phones and got my first smart phone through them (Droid X). I've had to keep buy used phones to keep my grandfathered in unlimited data plan (Thunderbolt and Samsung Galaxy Nexus). My monthly bill was about $80 with government discount, Unlimited data, 1500 text, 450 talk. Their customer service went south imo and my 4G speeds were only getting slower (was about 20 mbps now around 10 mbps). I grew tired of paying so much money and worrying about my mins and text.
I just recently bought a Nexus 4 and switched to Straight Talk (t-mobile). I did my homework a lot on where to go so I started porting my Google Voice over from Verizon yesterday and waiting for that to complete. I was going to got to Solavei or the $30 month t-mobile plan but I figured I'd try out Straight Talk.
So far I'm impressed with the service I get. T-mobile has really matured over the years and I see them becoming the new Verizon but I hope they don't follow their path of locking all their phones and trying to control everything they can. I literally don't notice a difference in my area (Chicago) as the places I don't get signal my Verizon phone gets and the places the Verizon phone doesn't get ST gets.
I'm going to stay with ST for as long as I can and keep an eye on the data cap limit rumors although I don't think I'll see any with my usage being under 3 gigs per month (at the very most), won't even risk tethering, and if the coverage stays this good.
I love seeing unlimited everything and only paying $45, I can't believe it as it seemed it was too good to be true but after trying it and seeing it myself I'm sold.
What made you guys pick Straight Talk?
What do you like about it?
What don't you like about it?
Would you rather switch providers for this phone and enable 4G?
Should I post the steps I took to help others out interested in doing this?
FYI I get no points or a cheaper bill for making this post or anything. I'm just excited and surprised that something usually like this is to good to be true.
Not sure how they are with tmobile sims, my girl has the at&t one and never got a complaint but she I'd no days hog.
I'm about to try out metro pcs they launched byop in the Phillie area so sixty for unlimited, gotta check if there's no catch. Also how plans stack
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I have a Google Nexus 4 with a T-Mobile micro sim with an account that allow me 3G. I would like to know how you were able to get a ST micro sim as they told me there were none yet. How did you get you T-mobile micro sim to work and does the sim restrict the speed or the network. I am a noob on the subject.
BertSP said:
I have a Google Nexus 4 with a T-Mobile micro sim with an account that allow me 3G. I would like to know how you were able to get a ST micro sim as they told me there were none yet. How did you get you T-mobile micro sim to work and does the sim restrict the speed or the network. I am a noob on the subject.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a sim cutter on ebay for less than $5 or look for a template on google and cut it with scissors on there. Either way it functions the same after being cut as it would a regular sim.
Sent from my Nexus 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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
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.