Cell Phones and Cell Phone Service

**theworm**[$] · #1 07-06-2003, 05:36 PM

It's time. We need new cell phones. When we got our current phones, we pretty much just used them for emergencies, and we went for an inexpensive plan. Now we realize that cell phones are a reality (no matter how much I may hate them) and I need a good plan.

What do you folks suggest in terms of good phones and good providers? Anyone to look for or to stay away from?

I want 2 new phones (one for me, one for MrWorm). Walkie Talkie isn't required, but might be good - or a plan that lets us call each other without counting it as minutes. I want free long distance and NO ROAMING.

Open to and hoping for suggestions.

Thanks!

magenta321 · #2 07-06-2003, 05:48 PM

Nextell is the walkie talkie one. It's also INCREDIBLY annoying. I really don't understand why people have that one. I really don't want to hear other people's conversations -- let alone both sides of them, one side with horrible noises in tow.

But... some people like it.

Provider's differ by area. In my area, Verizon has the most towers, so Verizon has the best service.

We can all give you bits of advice, but, what you really need to do is go to a cellular store, sit down, and talk with the reps. They'll get you the best plan for you.

Your best bet is not to go to a branded one (don't go to the Nextel store or the Verizon store), but, to one that represents many carriers. They will be able to tell you which carriers are good in your area.

HTH!

**lynnzop**[$] · #3 07-06-2003, 06:17 PM

I get a deal with Verizon through work and I like my service AND my phone. I have America's plan, which covers almost everywhere...the only thing I don't like, is that I have to pay extra to get 1000 minutes.

I used to use my phone for emergencies only, but we've since gotten rid of our long distance service (only use cell phones) and I use it much more often when I'm traveling. I need those extra minutes, I just wish I didn't have to pay extra for them!

**thinkerlady**[$] · #4 07-06-2003, 07:47 PM

WE have AT &T Wireless. I have them for 2 years now, I wanted to drop after the first year, but the deal was really good. We have the family plan, 2 phones. My daughter and I have the phones most of the time. We have unlimited minutes between us, 500 anytime minutes to share, and 1000 weekend minutes to share. Now, I am sharing these minutes with a teenager, and since last September when we opened the plan, we have NEVER gone over the minutes. Even during senior week. Our long distance is pretty inclusive, but we did not opt for total nationwide. It however is an option. The basic long distance was good for us. We both have Nokia phones, (mine is better than hers) but the battery lasts about a week--I am happy, reception is good, and I have no complaints with phone or service.

murasaki · #5 07-06-2003, 07:52 PM

My husband had Verizon for a year. The service was fine except when he had to travel and all those roaming minutes kicked in. I made him switch to Sprint PCS, which is what I have had for two and a half years. All nationwide long distance is included in the monthly fee--I have never paid roaming charges. And, I had better reception in the boonies of Barstow, California, than all the guys on the Verizon and AT&T networks. Although I don't have it, Sprint PCS runs family deals from time to time for multiple phones.

My only bitch about cell phones in general is that the quality of the calls cell phone-to-cell phone is not as good as cell phone-to-land line. Other than that, I can't really compalin.

--naomi

**taurusmoon** · #6 07-06-2003, 08:05 PM

What a coincidence. I just got home from upgrading my cell phone.

I've had Verizon for several years. I've found it to be the best service in this area. AT&T was a total nightmare.

As Margaret said, YMMV.

Things to find out:

1) Which service is best in your area.
2) Which calling plans work best with the times of day and lengths of calls you make
3) Which plans are most economical if you leave your local area.

You can get the information you need by visiting each company's website. Then make your comparison based on the key criteria.

FYI, I just learned that Verizon will be changing its national plan by the end of the year. It will be digital service only. If you look at that map for places you travel, consider the red areas only. The pink ones might be going away unless they install digital towers between now and then.

Sara

**theworm**[$] · #7 07-06-2003, 08:21 PM

Sara! You mean I have to do research????? I thought I could count on all my friends at EA to do it for me!

**taurusmoon** · #8 07-06-2003, 08:26 PM

Quote:

theworm said

Sara! You mean I have to do research????? I thought I could count on all my friends at EA to do it for me!

Aren't we a lazy little worm.

Sara

magenta321 · #9 07-06-2003, 08:29 PM

Ok, if you just want an answer (which, might not be the right answer for someone in Florida, I don't know) -- get Verizon, and... well... I have the Northeast direct plan, so you should get that too

So, you can be in CT and call your sister without incurring any charges (unless you go over your allotted time).

I'm not sure which NE direct plan I have, but, it's the $50 one.

Now... ya see why *you* will need to research this, LOL.

**theworm**[$] · #10 07-06-2003, 08:36 PM

Aw, come on! I can't be the only one here in S. Florida!

**taurusmoon** · #11 07-06-2003, 08:40 PM

I work with someone who lives 3 miles away from me. He gets good service with AT&T. I don't.

Every mile counts.

Usage counts.

Travel counts.

Get out there and count.

Sara

**theworm**[$] · #12 07-06-2003, 08:52 PM

Can you hear me now?

frazzledspice · #13 07-07-2003, 08:56 AM

I have Sprint PCS, and have had Sprint PCS for about 5 years.

They have a website, www.sprintpcs.com, where you can put in your zip code and they will tell you exactly what plans are available in your area.

I would imagine other cell phone companies will provide the same information online.

I would rather do research online first before dealing with all the various salespeople.

My plan is about $35 for 350 anytime minutes and 2150 night/weekend minutes. I've thought about changing plans (I get a 15% discount on this one--the actual rate is $39.99, I think) but have been sticking to this one because "nights" start at 8 p.m., and the newer plans have nights starting at 9 p.m.

Because I use my cell phone for long-distance calls to the east coast quite a bit, it's beneficial for me to be able to call at 8 p.m.

To me, "unlimited" minutes are unimportant. 2150 night/weekend minutes come to 70 minutes a day. 350 anytime minutes come to about 15 minutes per weekday.

How much cell phone talking are you actually going to do?

I've only exceeded my anytime minute limit once. (I check my balance occasionally on the website if I think I'm close to the limit.)

**theworm**[$] · #14 07-07-2003, 09:09 AM

70 minutes a day would be fine. Right now I have 90 free minutes a month, and lately I've gone over frequently. Also, if I had a better phone and free long distance, I would make more of my long distance calls on the cell. I guess I'll be on websites this week since Sara won't research it for me.

**taurusmoon** · #15 07-07-2003, 09:19 AM

Quote:

theworm said

I guess I'll be on websites this week since Sara won't research it for me.

Kids these days.

Sara

**theworm**[$] · #16 07-07-2003, 09:21 AM

tiggert12140 · #17 07-07-2003, 10:15 AM

Welcome to your cell phone store. Finally something I know way to much about, I sell these things everyday so if you want to know what to get just ask, I know everything about Sprint PCS, Cingular Wireless, Verizon, and T-Mobile. I know quite a bit about ATT and UniCell but they don't exsist where I am. What swamp do you live in and I'll call someone out there and find who is best for you!

Its easy as pie just let me know.

poseidon · #18 07-07-2003, 10:30 AM

I use AT&T for my cellular service, because it is something my employer picked out (it provides the greatest coverage in small-town America). My wife uses Verizon.

In Denver, I prefer Verizon to AT&T. The rates are better, the plans are better, the reception is better. But, again, going to a national plan, AT&T leads. I get 650 minutes a month, free roaming and free long-distance, so long as I stay in that 650 per month plan. I can upgrade to a higher plan for as long as I need it and then go back down to the 650/month plan for no extra costs or contract extensions. I pay $59/month.

My wireless modem for my corporate laptop uses Sprint. I can get a signal with AT&T in my condo. I can get a signal with Verizon in my condo. I cannot get a signal with Sprint in my condo.

My next-door neighbor works for Nextel. She can't get a signal with Nextel in her condo.

**theworm**[$] · #19 07-07-2003, 10:43 AM

Quote:

tiggert12140 said

Welcome to your cell phone store. Finally something I know way to much about, I sell these things everyday so if you want to know what to get just ask, I know everything about Sprint PCS, Cingular Wireless, Verizon, and T-Mobile. I know quite a bit about ATT and UniCell but they don't exsist where I am. What swamp do you live in and I'll call someone out there and find who is best for you!

Its easy as pie just let me know.

LOL! I live in the Great Swamp - you know the Everglades. I'm looking for service in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami area.
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate the help.
Right now I have T-Mobile. I don't love my plan, but the network seems good. My Ericson phone is a piece of garbage though. Keeps kicking out. Phone problem - not network problem.

tiggert12140 · #20 07-07-2003, 12:02 PM

Quote:

theworm said

LOL! I live in the Great Swamp - you know the Everglades. I'm looking for service in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami area.
Thanks, Tom. I appreciate the help.
Right now I have T-Mobile. I don't love my plan, but the network seems good. My Ericson phone is a piece of garbage though. Keeps kicking out. Phone problem - not network problem.

I actually have T-Mobile up here as well for my own plan. They do have some very good plans out there and the good part is that if you wanted to keep your number you could just as easily upgrade your phone and your plan. The key thing with T-Mobile is if you fit in the coverage. If you think that you do (and obviously you would know if you have it already) then you should even stay with it. They tend to have the best plans as far as minutes go.

My guess is that you either have the Ericsson T-28 or one of the older models. Sony-Ericsson makes good high end phones ($250 and up) but their low and mid range phones tend not to work as well. If you are looking for a good Low to Mid Range phone (Free-$99.99) then look for the Nokia 3390. I've had this phone myself and its a tank. Usually the phone is either free or free after rebate. Nokia 3390

As far as plans go most people go for the $39.99 plan with 600 daytime minutes and unlimited night and weekends. As far as family plans go you have the $69.99 plan with 800 daytime minutes and unlimited weekends and unlimited T-Mobile to T-Mobile. This is good because it allows you to call any T-Mobile Customer in the United States. Another good thing about it is you can actually take certain phones with you overseas and use them (for those lucky enough to actually get time off from work). Here is the website for T-Mobile plans in Miami; T-Mobile Miami

If you want to know about some of the other carries as well let me know and I'll find out anything you want to know.

**theworm**[$] · #21 07-07-2003, 12:05 PM

Thanks, Tom! I appreciate the help. T-Mobile seems to have good service. I just have the wrong plan for now, and because I'm already a customer, I can't switch to a better plan without a fee. I do need a new phone regardless of what I do, and Nokia seems to be the most popular. Whatever my model is, it's flimsy. It's a flip down, and the flippy thing fell off very early on. Good thing I don't really need it. Hubby and I both have our phones wrapped in rubber bands to keep the battery in tightly - otherwise, it clicks out!