Database Develop

My Complaint Against AT&T

So I wrote this letter to the Analysts, HR, and Regional Information Guy of AT&T because I couldn't find answers elsewhere and the CSR and their supervisors were jerks and could not give me a straight rational answer.
My coworker said that he's been on Tmobile for 8 years and he finally called the CSR and asked if Tmobile could do anything for them regarding lowering their bill and such. Out of loyalty, they gave him the new plan Tmobile has released.
I called AT&T and got a straighforward I could care less if you've stayed with us for 5 years+ and even pushed me to transferring to a cancellation agent. FYI she was a real pain, she kept cutting me off.
Dear Andy Morgan, Marty Richter and AT&T Analysts
I'm writing you this email in regards to recent conversations and changes made to ATT wireless.
First off, I'd like to say that I've been a long time customer of ATT Wireless for over 5 years and I would like to continue to be one however I am not pleased with the way the Customer Service answer their customers and how difficult it is to get straightforward and legitimate answers based on real research and not some opinionated or textbook based answer.
I'm a customer who has a family plan with 4 lines, which on average pays $180/month including regulatory fees for 700minutes, an unlimited data plan, an unlimited family data plan with mobile to mobile. I'm happy with these features however, I feel that the pricing on them is too high, especially with less features.
Competitors such as T-mobile, which has recently been acquired by AT&T offers the same features with more for less. A coworker of mine recently told me that he's on a family plan with unlimited everything for 4 lines at 2x49.99 +2x15= $130 before regulatory fees and roughly $160 after rounding up.
A CSR told me that because we are getting 30$/month unlimited texting with mobile to mobile, it's better than competitors. but if Tmobile offers unlimited talk, it shouldn't matter.
The $20 difference in my bill compared to my coworkers and the features that are offered really doesn't sound fair does it? AT&T Supervisor and CSR response "We don't price match and we do things our way"
I asked about data pricing, and their response was that it was tailored to their customers. I agree that not many people need more than 2GB/month of data, but the pricing for it is $25/month. Tmobile offers unlimited with a 2GB soft cap(reduced speeds post 2GB) for $20 a month, and with they unlimited everything plan, it would be far less. I understand that data is getting expensive especially because of the growing trends of smartphones however with all these supposed "network hauls" shouldn't the pricing lower? According to the NY Times article from a year ago, cellphone data is being used more than minutes and with that, shouldn't these data plans have a fair variety that can compete with competitors rather than charging $15 for 200MB, which isn't enough for most users and $25 for 2GB, which is more than competitors.
Unlimited Family Plan (first two lines):
The first two lines are $49.99/mo. each line, totaling $99.98 per month. Each of the first two lines includes:
Unlimited data: Up to 2 GB of high-speed data (for capable devices), then reduced speeds after that. If you use up your high-speed data, we will automatically reduce your speeds for the rest of your billing cycle—so you can still connect without overages.
Unlimited talk minutes
Unlimited text
New two-year agreement
Need more lines?
Add up to 3 lines.
Get unlimited data and text, plus 500 talk minutes and unlimited nights and weekends (up to 2 GB of full-speed data per line). All this for just $15/mo. per line.
Now, on with Text messaging, according to Engadget, AT&T will be ending the $10 for 1000 text message deal. This was confirmed by an AT&T agent. How is it that you guys could end this messaging plan especially leaving customers to get the unlimited plan? According to a wireless network analysts, the consumers send an average of 664 text messages a month. With that, the average American Teen sends an average of 3339 text messages a month. Shouldn't there be variety? Not everybody text messages, and if the new implementations and pricing are tailored.
I understand that AT&T has more resources as well as more funding and is working on their HSPA+ network and LTE coming this year Q4 and because of that, require more funding to get these networks up. But, how is it that Tmobile, a smaller company can increase the coverage of their HSPA+ network to over 40 locations nationwide already, when our HSPA+ only goes up to half of what Tmobile has. I understand the backhaul as well as the need for capital to expand the network, however the ratio of benefits to price isn't exactly one to one on AT&Ts network. In 2010, a filing by AT&T regarding its SEC filing "On a reported basis, our fourth-quarter 2010 revenues were $31.4 billion, up $653 million from the fourth-quarter 2009 and full-year 2010 revenues were $124.3 billion", $31.8 billion from AT&T Mobility generated roughly 25% of the revenue AT&T made in 2010/ and how much of that revenue is being used to expand the network? Tmobile, a smaller company in the US, generated a revenue of $21.347billion and has yet been able to offer better pricing as well as stronger data networks than AT&T
Verizon, another competitor that has similar pricing to your own is able to get their LTE network to more than half of the nation's population already. The crazy thing is LTE is a GSM based technology and they're on a CDMA based network.
To my understanding, with more money, you could do more things and it'll cost a lot more, but how is it that Tmobile, the smaller company has done more things for its customer with a smaller client base than AT&T and Verizon with a larger client base do more for its customers than AT&T. It doesn't make sense to me.
AT&T supervisors and CSRs have told me that the plans that AT&T offers is tailored to customers and yet they choose to take away choices. One Supervisor said "we can't please everybody" and that's true because you can't, but it's much better to have variety than have no choices at all. Every area has a different need, such as New York vs Montana. The demand for data is higher in one area than the other and the demographics are different.
Rather than catering to a biased statistic with outliers, try to cater to a smaller demographic and you'll see more results.
AT&T CSRs are horrible too as I asked these questions and expected straightforward answers, my previous CSR told me "AT&T can charge whatever we want" and that was most arrogant and honest answer I received all day. This CSR was more than happy to get rid of me and transfer me to a Cancellation rep. So much for mutualistic loyalty and customer care.
The fact that AT&T has bought T-Mobile and decided to do away with customer support exemplifies the need for two separate GSM companies. You guys have no competition and therefore can implement unfair business to your customers.
Give me some answers as to why the prices are so high and why there is less to be offered to the customers. Cater to the customers needs and work with them to benefit their needs, not push a plan hope and hope the majority will do nothing and go along with it. Without the customers, there is no AT&T.
Sincerely, ********, an Angry Customer
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It's not a grammatically correct nor is it a formal letter, but I was too busy being mad and linking citations.
I feel like I should contact the BBB or the FCC. AT&T will further neglect its customers and create plans that are aimed to make money and not to fit the general consumer. They think it tailors to the general consumer, but if they want to tailor to the majority of people, variety should be kept and they should give people the choice to choose what kind of plans that fit them.
I called the company Steel in the Air today to inquire about pricing of towers but they have yet to get back to me.
http://www.steelintheair.com/Municipalities-Building-Your-Own-Cell-Tower.html
According to their website, it costs generally 100-150k to build a tower. And I know there's much more that goes into this, but I don't know how much because AT&T CSR don't have this information in their manuals.
I hope I don't offend any AT&T lovers or AT&T employees but what that CSR said to me today really pisses me off, especially the way the supervisor who said they tailor to the customer.
I'm posting this on XDA because I wanna share with the members my experience with AT&T and reasons why we should boycott them, report them, and overall just dislike them.
I'm stuck on a two year contract with 4 lines, 3 upgradeable and 1 nonupgradeable lines and currently looking for a clause in my contract that will help me get out, because clearly AT&T doesn't care about pleasing their customers.

Um.. your kind of going to be screwed - TMobile is going to be swallowed by AT&T
I'd suggest just switching your provider as soon as your contract is up.
But.. please keep us updated if you get a positive response.

That sucks man. Keep us posted.

File with the FCC. It's the ONLY WAY you will get an answer.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App

Babydoll25 said:
File with the FCC. It's the ONLY WAY you will get an answer.
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+1. (There is a ten char limit, so a simple +1 wont do it seems!)

What??? that seems stupid!!! In the UK the networks will normally price match. Have you tried asking for the PAC code?

Sprint customer? You should know this.

Good news if you're a Sprint customer. Expect big changes within the coming 1-2 years. If you follow the stock market then you may have just heard that Sprint was recently purchased by SoftBank. The FCC has officially approved the deal now. In another transitional move, Sprint has purchased the entirety of Clearwire.
The big news is that SoftBank will be giving Sprint $5 billion this year to expand its 4G LTE network to compete directly with Verizon and AT&t.
Add that to the fact that Sprint now owns the Clearwire technology and can acquire all of their towers and things are looking pretty positive for Sprint customers all in all. Obviously this stuff doesn't happen over night, but give it 1-2 years time and you will see Sprint leading the way.

HeyItsRyan said:
Good news if you're a Sprint customer. Expect big changes within the coming 1-2 years. If you follow the stock market then you may have just heard that Sprint was recently purchased by SoftBank. The FCC has officially approved the deal now. In another transitional move, Sprint has purchased the entirety of Clearwire.
The big news is that SoftBank will be giving Sprint $5 billion this year to expand its 4G LTE network to compete directly with Verizon and AT&t.
Add that to the fact that Sprint now owns the Clearwire technology and can acquire all of their towers and things are looking pretty positive for Sprint customers all in all. Obviously this stuff doesn't happen over night, but give it 1-2 years time and you will see Sprint leading the way.
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Yes... this is all true. But see THIS, which is the exact opposite of good news for Sprint customers

Joe0113 said:
Yes... this is all true. But see THIS, which is the exact opposite of good news for Sprint customers
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No worries.. That thread saying the plans are more expensive are incorrect.
If you have a SINGLE line with Sprint then you're more than likely on the 'Everything Data 450' plan, which costs $79.99 a month before tax. To stay at the same monthly price you should just switch to the 'Unlimited, My Way' plan which costs you $50 for unlimited talk and text, and $30 for the unlimited data. $50 + $30 = $80.. which is what the Everything Data 450 plan costs right now.
It's actually a BETTER option, because now you get unlimited calling. With the Everything Data 450 plan, you only get 450 anytime minutes. With the new plan at the SAME price you get unlimited EVERYTHING. Or, you can choose the 'My All-in' plan for $110 month and get unlimited data, text, and calling PLUS a 5GB hotspot add-on for your phone.
The price scheme is the same for 2 phones as well. The only people who are gonna end up paying MORE are the ones who have 3 or more lines on their accounts. But remember, not ALL phones will require unlimited data, and some phone may be basic phones. So the plan will be cheaper.
If you have multiple SMARTphones with Sprint and want unlimited data, here is a breakdown of what you'll be paying with the new plans:
2 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $149.99
2 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $150 per month but now you get unlimited calling
3 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $179.98
3 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $210 per month but now you get unlimited calling
4 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $209.97
4 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $260 per month but now you get unlimited calling
But like I said, everyone with only 1 or 2 lines of service will NOT notice price differences unless they switch to the "My All-in" plan, but that's totally up to them.
Hope this helps.

HeyItsRyan said:
No worries.. That thread saying the plans are more expensive are incorrect.
If you have a SINGLE line with Sprint then you're more than likely on the 'Everything Data 450' plan, which costs $79.99 a month before tax. To stay at the same monthly price you should just switch to the 'Unlimited, My Way' plan which costs you $50 for unlimited talk and text, and $30 for the unlimited data. $50 + $30 = $80.. which is what the Everything Data 450 plan costs right now.
It's actually a BETTER option, because now you get unlimited calling. With the Everything Data 450 plan, you only get 450 anytime minutes. With the new plan at the SAME price you get unlimited EVERYTHING. Or, you can choose the 'My All-in' plan for $110 month and get unlimited data, text, and calling PLUS a 5GB hotspot add-on for your phone.
The price scheme is the same for 2 phones as well. The only people who are gonna end up paying MORE are the ones who have 3 or more lines on their accounts. But remember, not ALL phones will require unlimited data, and some phone may be basic phones. So the plan will be cheaper.
If you have multiple SMARTphones with Sprint and want unlimited data, here is a breakdown of what you'll be paying with the new plans:
2 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $149.99
2 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $150 per month but now you get unlimited calling
3 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $179.98
3 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $210 per month but now you get unlimited calling
4 phones currently on the 'Everything Data Share 1500' plan = $209.97
4 phones on the new 'Everything, My Way' plan = $260 per month but now you get unlimited calling
But like I said, everyone with only 1 or 2 lines of service will NOT notice price differences unless they switch to the "My All-in" plan, but that's totally up to them.
Hope this helps.
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Well I'm on a family plan (me+mom+dad+sis+bro) all 5 of us have smartphones. Unlimited text+data. So the hike in price will be extremely ridiculous, my parents will probably and HOPEFULLY switch to Verizon!!

Joe0113 said:
Well I'm on a family plan (me+mom+dad+sis+bro) all 5 of us have smartphones. Unlimited text+data. So the hike in price will be extremely ridiculous, my parents will probably and HOPEFULLY switch to Verizon!!
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Believe me...the grass is not greener in the other side.
Verizon service may be the most reliable but they lock their devices down to the max. They're always the first to up their prices too. I had the Verizon S4 and it lacked some of the basic features on the S4 that other variants have, like blocking mode.
I was with Sprint like 5 years ago before I switched to ATT and then Verizon. Based on what my family members told me about Sprint being better than before, I switched back to Sprint yesterday. And to my amaze they have 4G here and they're 3G is not as bad as it was years ago. Heck, ATT still doesn't have 4G here where in live.
I'm gonna try and wait it through to see what big changes Sprint comes out the gate with.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

How do you keep getting out of your contract so freely.....or are you paying every time?
plmiller0905 said:
Believe me...the grass is not greener in the other side.
Verizon service may be the most reliable but they lock their devices down to the max. They're always the first to up their prices too. I had the Verizon S4 and it lacked some of the basic features on the S4 that other variants have, like blocking mode.
I was with Sprint like 5 years ago before I switched to ATT and then Verizon. Based on what my family members told me about Sprint being better than before, I switched back to Sprint yesterday. And to my amaze they have 4G here and they're 3G is not as bad as it was years ago. Heck, ATT still doesn't have 4G here where in live.
I'm gonna try and wait it through to see what big changes Sprint comes out the gate with.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
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Snazarian said:
How do you keep getting out of your contract so freely.....or are you paying every time?
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Well for my kids lines, I normally buy their phones off Craigslist, so I don't have a etf on their lines. As far as my wife and my lines, I pay the etf... But I cancel my line first then my wife's line in the next billing cycle. That way both etf's don't end up on the same bill.
Then I resale the phones my wife and I was using and recoup some of what I have to pay on the etf.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

I love my sprint service after network vision. The data speeds are great. The question is how is sprint going to fix the large roaming areas. I hope softbank can fund sprint to fix this. Look at floridas map.

The ONLY thing that concerns me is the throttling of data speeds. They have long touted not throttling. And now they are. I've been telling everyone thatnsoftbank was a very bad idea. It was obvious but people just seen the couple billion to be spent on LTE. Problem is, Sprint is no longer Sprint. We are Softbank and Softbank ONLY. Don't expect anything to be how it was. All new business strategy and leadership. Verizon prices with slow speeds and far less coverage.
Sent from my SGS4. Go Blue!! Buck the Fuc keyes!!

Actually id go so far as to say that a single line plan for myself would cost a good bit more with the new plans. i have a 25% discount that gets applied to my first line, with the new plan that discount is dropped to first line for mins etc then i have to pay the full amount on data.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...y-all-in-plans-available-beginning-july-12th/

eskomo said:
The ONLY thing that concerns me is the throttling of data speeds. They have long touted not throttling. And now they are. I've been telling everyone thatnsoftbank was a very bad idea. It was obvious but people just seen the couple billion to be spent on LTE. Problem is, Sprint is no longer Sprint. We are Softbank and Softbank ONLY. Don't expect anything to be how it was. All new business strategy and leadership. Verizon prices with slow speeds and far less coverage.
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Good points. And even the LTE thing I take with a huge grain of salt. Sprint been promising LTE will be almost everywhere in 1-2 years for years now. I'll believe it when I see it.

jejb said:
Good points. And even the LTE thing I take with a huge grain of salt. Sprint been promising LTE will be almost everywhere in 1-2 years for years now. I'll believe it when I see it.
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Larger markets will get LTE first. We only just NOW are getting enhanced 3G where I live. But, realistically, thanks to the SoftBank deal I predict most markets will have LTE within the next 1 1/2 years. It's definitely not an overnight switch.
Remember the EDGE network, a.k.a. 2G? Remember how long it took for everyone to get 3G when you first heard about it?

HeyItsRyan said:
Larger markets will get LTE first. We only just NOW are getting enhanced 3G where I live. But, realistically, thanks to the SoftBank deal I predict most markets will have LTE within the next 1 1/2 years. It's definitely not an overnight switch.
Remember the EDGE network, a.k.a. 2G? Remember how long it took for everyone to get 3G when you first heard about it?
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This is a false statement if you are talking about Sprints LTE deployment. They are not upgrading based on population. And they aren't doing upgrades city to city. They are upgrading whole markets at the same time.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

Joe0113 said:
Well I'm on a family plan (me+mom+dad+sis+bro) all 5 of us have smartphones. Unlimited text+data. So the hike in price will be extremely ridiculous, my parents will probably and HOPEFULLY switch to Verizon!!
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What you need to understand is the $10 per line you pay for premium data. In the new plan, it's built in. That drops you 50 right there. These new plans are actually cheaper.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

GiantJay said:
This is a false statement if you are talking about Sprints LTE deployment. They are not upgrading based on population. And they aren't doing upgrades city to city. They are upgrading whole markets at the same time.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
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Ok, not sure where you got that information from.
The LTE roll will eventually be nationwide, but you can't expect the whole nation to make the switch overnight. LARGER markets will get LTE first which makes sense. Who do you expect to have LTE first... New York City, or some little town in northern Washington?
The switch will take place piece by piece and step by step with priority going to markets with a higher demand for 4G LTE. Like I said in my previous post, I expect 90% of all markets to have LTE within the next 1 1/2 years.

HeyItsRyan said:
Ok, not sure where you got that information from.
The LTE roll will eventually be nationwide, but you can't expect the whole nation to make the switch overnight. LARGER markets will get LTE first which makes sense. Who do you expect to have LTE first... New York City, or some little town in northern Washington?
The switch will take place piece by piece and step by step with priority going to markets with a higher demand for 4G LTE. Like I said in my previous post, I expect 90% of all markets to have LTE within the next 1 1/2 years.
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I hope so, 2 years ago.... a lady from Sprint swore to my bf that we would have 4g at the end of the year........nope nothing....I hardly even get 3g (in some locations)

I don't care what anyone says and no one will convince me otherwise. Sprint's network upgrade vision has been/is terrible. They should of been doing LTE like others instead of wasting time/money on WiMax. T-Mobile has done in a year what Sprint should have been able to do years ago. I've been with Sprint for a while and am really getting fed up with it all. I'm lucky to have LTE (about 50%) where I live but we never got WiMax and the 3G speeds suck and always have. The new pricing better not mess with my corporate rates or I'm jumping ship.

HeyItsRyan said:
Ok, not sure where you got that information from.
The LTE roll will eventually be nationwide, but you can't expect the whole nation to make the switch overnight. LARGER markets will get LTE first which makes sense. Who do you expect to have LTE first... New York City, or some little town in northern Washington?
The switch will take place piece by piece and step by step with priority going to markets with a higher demand for 4G LTE. Like I said in my previous post, I expect 90% of all markets to have LTE within the next 1 1/2 years.
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Let's just say I know people. They are not doing upgrades based on population. New York and LA would have been the first places to get LTE if that was the case. Not to mention there is different LTE providers per region of the country. Such as Alcatel/Lucent, Samsung, Ericsson. It is by whole markets not cities. Example the whole Upper Central Valley of California is a market. Which goes from Oregon to Stockton to Reno and beyond. Sacramento will be upgraded last because it is harder to do work in a major city and get building permit approval etc. So smaller suburbs such as Rocklin and Roseville already have LTE going and the city of Sacramento has nothing.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

GiantJay said:
Let's just say I know people. They are not doing upgrades based on population. New York and LA would have been the first places to get LTE if that was the case. Not to mention there is different LTE providers per region of the country. Such as Alcatel/Lucent, Samsung, Ericsson. It is by whole markets not cities. Example the whole Upper Central Valley of California is a market. Which goes from Oregon to Stockton to Reno and beyond. Sacramento will be upgraded last because it is harder to do work in a major city and get building permit approval etc. So smaller suburbs such as Rocklin and Roseville already have LTE going and the city of Sacramento has nothing.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
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This, population had nothing to do with Network Vision deployment.
Check here for everything Sprint LTE related:
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/forum/6-the-network-forum/
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Thanks Nexus 5, Because of You I Dumped Sprint

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.
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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.
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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. ****.

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

Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.

ourtech said:
Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.

chaunold said:
Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.
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See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.

Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.

I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.

ourtech said:
See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.
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I had verizon wireless for 10 years and left them over a year ago for T-Mobile. I didn't regret anything. I didn't switch because of price because I could afford verizon, but their plans and phones suck and they are scam artists trying to rape every penny from you just like John Legere quoted. In my area and even in rural places in georgia I get pretty decent excellent coverage and service. At home I usually get from 80-112mbps down and 7-15mbps up. Verizon couldn't match that and hell, everyone I know that has sprint hate it and are jumping to T-Mobile because they get less than 1mbps and call quality sounds like pure ****. T-Mobile has nationwide VoLTE and WiFi calling and texting and the "Uncarrier" exclusives. I have unlimited data so I use it as my home internet since I have root for tethering unlimited data and its way faster than charters fastest speeds they deliver to my house lol. Sprint is also bad just like verizon because remember they are money hungry companies and they will lock u in contracts and can only use their cdma devices or select unlocked devices like the nexus 6. I heard verizon doesn't recognize the unlocked nexus 6, idk if that is true or not.

Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.

ourtech said:
I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.
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Although tethering is not supported, it does work.
There also would be no issue popping in a Cricket SIM in a Nexus 9. I've considered selling my WiFi N9 and getting a LTE N9 with a 20GB Cricket SIM.

metaphz said:
Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.
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metaphz said:
Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.
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From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April. Thanks though.

ourtech said:
From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April.
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It did expire, someone is selling their account.

ourtech said:
Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.
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There is an app on the playstore if you have root called "WiFi Tether Router" which will work or if you want unlimited native tethering.
#1 in SQL lite go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/settings.db/global
#2 add " tether_dun required " and set the value to 0
#3 in your APN settings add " dun " to APN type and set your APN to IPv4 only since IPv6 doesnt support this.

Either use OpenSignal app or their site and zoom in on your neighborhood. They have a list of carriers with their average upload and download speed.
Personally I wouldn't use Sprint as OpenSignal and Rootmetrics has shown it is the slowest network across the country.
Get a AT&T GoPhone sim and try them out for a month. Walmart sells the sims. They now have rollover data on prepaid just like T-mobile. Plus they're not throttled like Cricket.
I wait for Callingmart to announce their monthly 10% off GoPhone refills on Twitter. Then refill each month saving me $6.

Just my 2¢ but I have been with Sprint for going on 8 years. Their service is great in my area (now) and their customer service has always been outstanding. While I do agree that they don't have the best coverage, they have come a long way in my time with them. You can get unlimited, TRULY unlimited data with them for a good price. They offer payment plans on the top devices and as I said, customer service has bent over backwards for me more than once. Choice is yours, OP, just do your homework and choose wisely.

I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.

bob2300nx said:
I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.
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To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.

Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

ceo4eva said:
Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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Good point. Hadn't thought about those. Thanks.
This morning my Speed Tests were decidedly better. At least 8 and as high as 12 meg. I haven't seen those numbers in months. So, (holding breath), perhaps my last call got something changed. I won't make changes unless I am sure there is no hope for change.

ourtech said:
To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.
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Other than calling to activate new phones, I have only had to call once in all my years with Sprint and I have no complaints on it. I don't generally need service, I pay my bill and use my phone lol. As far as overseas call centers, that's not entirely true; there is a Sprint call center in my city (along with a T-Mobile call center). To each their own.

I switched from Sprint to Verizon as my family plan 4 years ago, best decision of my life. Sprint will frustrate you beyond belief with their slow data, you won't even be able to load Google. I know you said the big 2 cost too much, so I'd stay with T-Mobile if I were you, avoid Sprint at all costs. I personally love Verizon, have 5 off contract smartphones with them, 15GB shared data, and pay $153+tax a month.

How is team mobil

Guys been with sprint 15 years I have a note 3 which I am able to do voice and data simultaneously. I am trying to update but non of the phones aprint offers are abke to do that. So i am lookjng around. What are the experience on team mobil? What to look for what sucks whats good thanks
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A lot depends on location and where you may travel. I live in KC (home of Sprint) and had Sprint for 4 years before I switched to T-Mobile earlier this year. In KC where Sprint advertises they are the #1 carrier my T-Mobile service blows them out of the water. For data I would get 5 to 7 mbps down on Sprint and on T-Mobile I get 12-20+ . However I went to a wedding in the middle of no-where Iowa and did not have service most of the time. I have also been to Omaha for business and can have great service at one spot and then a few blocks away no service. My son also had problems when he was there and was going to go in to a T-Mobile store, but there were none in Omaha. So to be location is the biggest issue.
I am on a 4 line 10gb per month per line plan, the 10gb is LTE then it goes to 2x data (not that I have gone over 10gb in a month). Three of the lines have the data stash built up to 20GB so we will always have LTE. My son who streams all the time on his phone this month is at 28GB used on the network, but only 9GB used on plan because of Binge On, he also had 9GB in his data stash (since YouTube was added to Binge On). He does not have cable in his apartment and they have a wifi cap on their internet plan so he does not connect to Wifi even at home. This has worked great for him. He is in a smaller college town in Missouri and has very good coverage there as well.
I am paying less for T-Mobile than Sprint and with the Jump On Demand, have had the Note 5, S7 Edge and now the Note 7 since I started in January. I could not be happier and unless they drop Jump on Demand or their coverage get worse (both unlikely) I would not switch to another carrier if they even beat T-Mobiles price by a few dollars.

He previously stated location matters.
I have had all phone carriers and tested many many devices of the years. There are 2 absolute truths about the cellular industry.
1. The Hardware you use can affect the level of service
2. The service you select has strong areas and weak ones.
To give an example. I am in Sacramento, CA on T-Mobile. I just Jumped to the Note 7 because the iPhone 6S Plus I was on kept dropping data and calls in the states capital. Knowing that equipment and switches in the towers can "not get along very well" I decided to try the Note 7 in the exact same areas. I have had 100% LTE coverage with very fast data in all areas but on T-Mobile still.
So the trick is finding the right Phone and the Right service. I personally like T-Mobile the best right now after trying all carriers. They have great data and voice coverage for me in my area and places I have been and they offer many more benefits and respect me more as a customer than Big Red or Baby Blue. I did not have the best experience on Sprint in my area regardless of the device.
The cost and benefits are what continue to make me a happy T-Mobile customer. I do think Android devices are superior in connectivity and customization but iPhone hands down has a more seamless out of the box user experience. I would not give my note 7 up for one again though.
Thanks,

Sprint sucks. Couldn't pay me to use Sprint. Go for T-Mobile. Do it.
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What's team mobil?

Sprint has the same coverage as Verizon if you squint
Ha Ha

I've had T-Mobile for 12 years now and would never go to another. As stated above location does matter, at my house I have 4-5 Mbps and just 3 miles to the North I get around 50 Mbps. At home I'm on wifi most of the time but data is usually enough to use as a hotspot when the internet is down.

I live in central Florida, and we just moved our family plan from Sprint to T-Mobile, after 13 years. After 1 week so far on T-Mobile, i don't regret it 1 bit! What good is unlimited data on Sprint, if it's unusable? Time will tell I guess, but so far, I'm happy!
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I love T-Mobile, they really shake up whole phone industry and 60mbps lte at my home plus wifi calling (which nobody else had until just couple yrs ago) does help, but even oh so vain VZ has dead spots (been there), so maybe get 1 month prepaid SIM card and see how it works in your area to be sure? But probably local T-mo shop would be the best place to ask. Best thing about T-mo: no contract (thank you T-mo for bringing it in) except for phone payments , if you buy it on instalments, so if you not happy, pay off the phone, sell it and be on your marry way

Thanks for all the comments. Do you have voice and data simultaneously with out using wifi?

Yes all GSM network are voice and data at the same time after Edge(2G).
Been with all 4 major carriers since the 90's (work reasons) and we dropped Sprint roughly 5 years ago. We helped them build a tower on the property and they tried to can us and make up pay the ETF for excessive roaming... How do you figure that one when everyone they canned and lost our numbers when we are less than 1/10 a mile from their tower we can see out the window.
T-Mobile if they have the coverage they are the best bang for your buck. Sorry, but I can not for the life of me paying 40% less than Verizon, but only gettinf 20% of the coverage in places of travel.
Take T-Mobile Jump on Demand if you switch. If they don't have the coverage you need they'll unlock your phone and let you switch carriers(you still have to pay payments for your phone).
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Tidbits said:
Yes all GSM network are voice and data at the same time after Edge(2G).
Been with all 4 major carriers since the 90's (work reasons) and we dropped Sprint roughly 5 years ago. We helped them build a tower on the property and they tried to can us and make up pay the ETF for excessive roaming... How do you figure that one when everyone they canned and lost our numbers when we are less than 1/10 a mile from their tower we can see out the window.
T-Mobile if they have the coverage they are the best bang for your buck. Sorry, but I can not for the life of me paying 40% less than Verizon, but only gettinf 20% of the coverage in places of travel.
Take T-Mobile Jump on Demand if you switch. If they don't have the coverage you need they'll unlock your phone and let you switch carriers(you still have to pay payments for your phone).
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You must be going to pretty far away places, because before I switched I had VZ and my friend had T-mo. We travelled together along east coast, from NY to Fla and we were dead even as far as coverage, except Everglades, where T-mo had some spotty signal and VZ didn't, that was the day I switched and never looked back. This was few yrs ago, but if anything things are better now. VZ usually has better coverage in less populated areas, but not as much as you make it and in most higher population areas like whole east coast, they're pretty much even. Of course if you dont have signal and you need it, you dont care, if it was the only place in whole US, but my wife called me on t-mo sim card over wifi from China, for free. Try that on VZ .

That's high populated places... outside that Verizon and AT&T win hands down. Also there have been numerous times in populated places like San Francisco where T-Mobile has little to no coverage in many parts. My job requires me to be in on multiple places in a single city. If the coverage was like how you think it is Verizon wouldn't be our main provider. Yes they have gotten better but not as good as the media or you experienced.
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