Which Cell Phone Company to Go With?

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Discussion Overview

The thread revolves around participants sharing their experiences and opinions regarding different cell phone companies, particularly in relation to coverage, discounts, and personal preferences. The discussion also touches on the implications of moving to a new area and the necessity of maintaining a phone number for business purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions the importance of checking local coverage before choosing a cell phone provider after moving.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not having a cell phone for years and expresses a lack of convenience missed due to state laws against cell phone use while driving.
  • Several users discuss their experiences with Verizon, noting both satisfaction and issues with coverage, particularly after the merger with Alltel.
  • One participant highlights their positive experience with T-Mobile, while considering a switch to AT&T if 3G service is not improved.
  • Another participant mentions their switch to Vonage due to dissatisfaction with Verizon's service and appreciates the cost-effectiveness and portability of their number.
  • One participant notes that they receive an 18% discount with Sprint as a Pampered Chef consultant and emphasizes the importance of checking coverage in their area.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having multiple cell phone providers and compares their coverage in various locations, finding Verizon and AT&T to be reliable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best cell phone provider, with some expressing satisfaction with Verizon and others sharing negative experiences. There is no clear consensus on which provider is superior, as opinions vary based on individual experiences and geographic locations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing their personal experiences with cell phone providers in relation to their business needs and geographical challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering a cell phone provider for personal or business use may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their decision-making process.

lockhartkitchen
lockhartkitchen
Messages
2,154
For those of you who have cell phones, which company would you recommend? I have all my PC marked with a land-line phone. We may be moving to another city, which I could only keep my number if I have a cell-phone to transfer my number to.
 
I would suggest asking local friends and then checking with the companies they suggest to see about their coverage in your new city.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Boy Rae, you are up early! So am I. I haven't gone to bed yet. 2:48 AM insomnia. Good suggestion though. I haven't had a cell phone in years. I know I'm probably the only with. With state laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving in our cars, and living in a small town. I haven't missed the convienence. If I move to the house in the country, I'll be out of my current phone/cable range and will have to get one in order to keep my number I've had for 3 years, and have established my business with.
 
Sorry you're having trouble with insomnia. Been there. It's horrid. I'm almost always up between 4:10 and 4:30 a.m. Every day but Sunday I exercise and do my devotions before getting online, so it's a little later before I get online. I live out in the middle of nowhere, and I know that several cell companies don't really cover our area well. As a matter of fact, the company I was originally with dropped me as a customer because I was usually on someone else's tower. (They knew that when they signed me up and had me as a customer for 2 years. But, I won't go there. :() I did a lot of research among my friends and then with the cell providers before deciding. I know that what is great in Dallas isn't necessarily great here in my area.Now I'm off to get ready for church. happy cell hunting.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Have fun at church. Thanks.
 
I agree ....

And most cel companies will give you a discount for being with PC. Verizon gave me one, even though it's not posted on cc like Sprint.
 
Di - what is your PC discount thru verizon? I have Verizon but currently get a 22% discount thru my employer. Didn't know if it was better thru PC. TIA.
 
I had a horrible time with Verizon. Twice this year my landline was out for 2 weeks at a time and that's my biz phone. My cell is only a "pay as you go" so I was racking up the $ using it while the landline was out.

I switched to Vonage. It is half the price as Verizon. There is # portability. I have the original # that I had with Verizon and when I move (our house is on the market) I can take the # with me. Vonage is web based. It sounds like you may be moving into the country. If you don't have DSL, it may not be the thing for you. Their website has a lot of info on it. If you do want to go with Vonage, let me know b/c they have a referral offer where we can both get 2 months free.

Becca
 
I'd be interested to know about the discount with Verizon as well. I've had them for about 8 years and have been very happy with them. We live in the middle of the woods and I get great coverage.
 
I've had verizon since 1996 and have never had a problem. I don't have access to verizon for my land-line/internet, just cell.
 
Verizon's discount is 12 percent.

My coverage has really tanked since they merged with Alltel.
 
Thanks Di for the discount info. I guess I'll keep my 22% discount. In my area, my coverage expanded when they merged - it must really depend on where you are at.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Becca_in_MD said:
I had a horrible time with Verizon. Twice this year my landline was out for 2 weeks at a time and that's my biz phone. My cell is only a "pay as you go" so I was racking up the $ using it while the landline was out.

I switched to Vonage. It is half the price as Verizon. There is # portability. I have the original # that I had with Verizon and when I move (our house is on the market) I can take the # with me. Vonage is web based. It sounds like you may be moving into the country. If you don't have DSL, it may not be the thing for you. Their website has a lot of info on it. If you do want to go with Vonage, let me know b/c they have a referral offer where we can both get 2 months free.

Becca
Click to expand...

I'll use you as a referral if I go with them. Yes, we'd be in the way out country. We're weighing our options.
 
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I've been really happy with Tmobile - good reception and great quality. My contract with them runs out in Jan and I'm considering going to AT&T if they don't figure out how to get to 3G with Tmobile. I gon an iPhone and love its seamlessness; it works with Tmobile too. Anyway - Tmobile unless you need 3G speed.
 
We have Verizon and love it, but like others said it really just depends on where you live. The other thing I was going to mention is that I am not sure if you can "take" your home phone number with you to a cell phone company. I know you can move cell numbers from one company to the other but I don't know how that works with home numbers.
 
We have Nextel/Sprint for Cell service. As a PC consultant, you get an 18% discount. You just need to check that Sprint has good coverage in your area. I don't think we'd ever go with anything else, because we love our Two-Way feature too much. (and we don't text).We also have Vonage - for home phone service. Best thing we ever did for our home phone. I can call anytime, anywhere, to any number, and it's still covered by my monthly flat rate. LOVE it!The only issue is that if the power goes out, so does the internet...and so does the home phone. But Vonage has that covered, because when that happens, all calls are automatically forwarded to my cell.
 
Like Becky, we have Vonage for home, and I love the feature that if the power goes, my calls are forwarded to my cell.

I travel all over the country for my full-time job. For a while I had three cell phones at once - Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. I'd compare "bars" at various locations (including the Rockies and in the boondocks of several states). T-Mobile didn't fair very well at all and I wouldn't recommend them (although their customer support was great). Verizon and AT&T were both really good. I have held onto both (Verizon for personal, AT&T for work) and have found that if one doesn't work, the other doesn't either, so I'd say they're pretty comparable.

Good luck!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing a cell phone company?

When choosing a cell phone company, consider factors such as coverage area, data speed, pricing plans, customer service, and contract terms. It's important to assess your usage needs, including how much data you typically consume and whether you travel frequently, as these can influence your choice.

How do I determine which cell phone company has the best coverage in my area?

To determine the best coverage, you can check coverage maps provided by the cell phone companies, read customer reviews, and ask friends or family about their experiences. Additionally, websites and apps that compare coverage can provide insights into which carriers perform best in your specific location.

Are prepaid plans better than postpaid plans?

Prepaid plans can be better for those who want flexibility and control over their spending, as they don't require a long-term contract and allow you to pay only for what you use. Postpaid plans often offer more features and benefits, such as subsidized phones and family plans, but they come with a commitment to a contract.

What are the advantages of choosing a major carrier over a smaller one?

Major carriers typically offer more extensive coverage, faster data speeds, and a wider range of devices. They may also provide better customer support and more comprehensive plans. However, smaller carriers can offer competitive pricing and personalized service, so it's essential to weigh these factors based on your priorities.

How can I save money on my cell phone plan?

You can save money on your cell phone plan by comparing different carriers and plans, considering prepaid options, taking advantage of family or group plans, and looking for promotions or discounts. Additionally, evaluating your actual data usage can help you choose a plan that fits your needs without paying for unnecessary features.

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