...your experience?

I've had Verizon for about 6 years now. For the most part I'm pretty happy with them. I need a good national plan because I go back and forth to NY a lot. They're not the low cost provider, but I haven't had any issues with them either.

 

Alternatively, my wife had Alltel for a couple of years and they kept subscribing her to some emergency roadside assistance plan. When she would complain and tell them to take it off they would always put up a fight. Needless to say we no longer use the thieves.

I've had Alltel and now I have had Cincinnati Bell for 3 years. Not a single complaint.

I have Verizon - I have no complaints.

 

I've previously had Sprint and found service patchy.  My g/f has Cingular and is often using my phone b/c hers is not getting a decent signal.

I have Verizon - I have no complaints.

 

I've previously had Sprint and found service patchy. My g/f has Cingular and is often using my phone b/c hers is not getting a decent signal.

 

Cingular doesn't exist anymore.....could that be the problem.  he he he.

 

AT&T isn't that bad.

In the past I had Sprint and Alltell and wasn't very happy with either the billing problems/customer service or the coverage/dropped calls or both.  I had Sprint when I lived in LA and had very few problems with them and I liked that I could get a low-cost plan as I don't use very many minutes.  But now most plans are the same and I prefer my Verizon phone because there are so many people in my social circle who have it, the free "in" calling is great.  I use my phone more now than before and never go over my minutes.  I wish there was a lower cost monthly plan (I don't like pay as you go) for people who use even less minutes than the lowest available.  I am allotted 4 hours a month and I don't think I've ever gone over maybe 2 except for when I am traveling for work.

I have used Cricket for over a year now. Coverage is great as long as you stay in urban area. It didn't work while i was in French Lick, Indiana on vacation last week. Then again i was not expecting to be using the phone on my vacation.

Verizon for close to 4 years. No complaints.

I have Verizon - I have no complaints.

 

I've previously had Sprint and found service patchy. My g/f has Cingular and is often using my phone b/c hers is not getting a decent signal.

 

Cingular doesn't exist anymore.....could that be the problem. he he he.

 

AT&T isn't that bad.

 

I had AT&T back in '99, '00, pre-Cingular. At the time they were the only provider with a national plan. Their service was really the best. At the time I was travelling across the country to a lot of out of the way places too, and I never had a situation where I couldn't make a call (well, except in LA where the cell service was terrible for all carriers at the time). But I don't think they upgraded their network and their calling plans, other carriers had equally comprehensive plans, and I couldn't justify staying with them.

AT&T/Cingular...good enough except I haven't been able to change my ringtone for two years.

I have Verizon - I have no complaints.

 

I've previously had Sprint and found service patchy. My g/f has Cingular and is often using my phone b/c hers is not getting a decent signal.

 

I have ATT/Cingular. When I switched phones (not companies), my signal greatly improved.

AT&T here. The company has changed names in SF 3 or 4 times since I got the original phone.  Hate the service, but no one I talk to has any better service; it seems to be bad everywhere here no matter which carrier you choose.  There are many dead zones in the city especially in my neighborhood.  Plus, you can get really odd messages when calling people, like "not allowed", "not permitted", etc.  What is that?  Wait a few seconds, redial, and it will go through. 

Guess it is the same everywhere.  No one wants to look at ugly cell phone towers around their neighborhood.

 

I had all of the above over the years except Alltell (they don't do business here). I found AT&T and T-Mobile to be the best.

started back in day on Sprint, horrible coverage, horrible phones.

 

Switched to Verizon in 2001, never really had a complaint and never had a reason to leave.

Verizon for the past seven years.  Can't complain.

Verizon for the past five years.  I have only one complaint, and it probably won't ever effect the vast majority of people on this forum.  I have travelled to cities all across the US, and there is only one dead zone that I have ever found.  It is a fifteen mile stretch of I-80 right along the Ohio-Indiana border.  I get it every time, whether I am driving or taking Amtrak (which is usually the case).  As luck would have it, I always seem to be on the phone when I pass over the state lines and I drop the call every single time. 

Verizon...love the service, just wish the phones would run Brew apps.

Cingular/the new AT&T for 5 years.  Fewest dropped calls my ass! 

 

 

Verizon, no complaints at all.  A cheaper bill would be nice but it's always worked where ever I seem to go. 

I hate cell phones. I have one, but only because if you are under 60 and don't have one people think you're irresponsible. I use it as little as possible. I'm a bad 20-something.

Verizon, no complaints at all.  A cheaper bill would be nice but it's always worked where ever I seem to go. 

 

Second.

Verizon, no complaints at all.  A cheaper bill would be nice but it's always worked where ever I seem to go. 

 

Second.

 

Same here, it helps my company has a discount with Verizon (19%), which brunts the force of their bills. (I can use the discount for my personal line)

I've used Cincinnati Bell Wireless for the past nine years.  I've had no problems, and I love that they don't have contracts.  It's the number one reason why I stay with them. 

 

I had Verizon before that, and I hated them.  They may be better now, though.  They messed up my bill quite a bit, and their customer service was rude.  And the worst part was I couldn't simply change companies because I was locked into the deal.  Ugh.  Or I would hate how they came out with a new promotional rate, but they would require me to sign on for an additional two years just to get it.  Things probably have changed, but it turned me off to signing contracts beyond a year for anything.

Verizon and no complaints at all.

Helio, which uses the SprintNextel network. Okay quality, although my phone is now two years old. I am in roaming pretty much outside of the metro areas, and have poor or no signal whereas my dad has full bars -- he's on Cingular/whatever it is today.

 

I might keep it for the Helio Ocean phone, but I may switch.

I have Verizon. Reception is always good, even in rural areas. No complaints here. I've had them 4 years and will probably renew the contract soon with them.

I hate cell phones. I have one, but only because if you are under 60 and don't have one people think you're irresponsible. I use it as little as possible. I'm a bad 20-something.

I agree. I have one, but do not carry on conversations on them in public, other than something basic like " I am running a few minutes late" or " I am going to the store do you need anything?". Even though they have been around for years, and the social mores have loosened,I can shake the opinion that people look like douch bags when  they prattle on them.

 

Now regarding the question. I have T mobile and have few complaints. Very few dropped calls/dead spots.

 

 

I've had Cincinnati Bell for the last 10 years or so, and the service is great.  I travel A LOT for work and have never had a problem getting service anywhere in the country.  I love not having a contract.  My only complaint is that I'd like to get an iPhone and can't, but that's not Cbell's fault; it's AT&T's and Apple's. 

 

Most of my friends started on Sprint, Nextel, Verizon, etc and have migrated to Cincinnati Bell.  I know a couple of people who switched and are planning to switch back to Cincinnati Bell when their contracts are up (mainly because of horrible customer service experiences).

I've used Cincinnati Bell Wireless for the past nine years.  I've had no problems, and I love that they don't have contracts.  It's the number one reason why I stay with them. 

 

I had Verizon before that, and I hated them.  They may be better now, though.  They messed up my bill quite a bit, and their customer service was rude.  And the worst part was I couldn't simply change companies because I was locked into the deal.  Ugh.  Or I would hate how they came out with a new promotional rate, but they would require me to sign on for an additional two years just to get it.  Things probably have changed, but it turned me off to signing contracts beyond a year for anything.

 

I hate signing long contracts too - but I thought it was fair (with Verizon) considering I got a free phone that otherwise would have been about 400 dollars at the time. I think they gave me that deal because I've been with them so long combined with extending the contract.

 

The thing that scares me the most about cell phone service plans is the price stipulated after you run over your minutes for the month. I know people with Cincinnati Bell who end up with 1000 dollar phone bills that they can't pay. I'm sure it's like that with other service providers so when I renew my contract  next time, the price per minute beyond the 450 (approx.) threshold is something I'm definitely comparing. I have a hard enough time paying my regular phone bill on time so that's one disaster I'm being proactive about. I like the idea of rollover minutes.

 

^ $1000???  That's crazy!  I think Cincinnati Bell's overrun fee is 45 cents a minute.  So they'd have to overrun more than 2200 minutes get near $1000, and considering that Cbell's $40 plan has unlimited nights and weekends, they'd have to do all of that talking on weekday afternoons,  Those guys must be on the phone constantly!

Perhaps it was warranted by roaming charges?? I don't know. This was a few years ago.

 

In the same vain, my mom ran up a similar bill of epic proportions with Verizon. I'm not sure why, as it's hard to talk about it because 'nothing is ever her fault'.

 

Anyone else annoyed by pushy salespersons at mall kiosks who trying to get you to convert services? I just don't see the logic behind it. It makes no sense to pay over 100 dollars to terminate the contract, give up a perfectly good phone and buy another. I find it hilarious that they will literally want to go over all the numbers with you to see if it's a better deal. That's too much d@mn math for me.

^ Those guys hurt the rest of the malls' sales. I hope they pay a lot for those kiosks.

vein:    c: a line of thought or action <renewed discussion along the same vein>

 

vain:  b:  having or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements

 

As in:

 

Your so vain, you probably thought this post was about you

You might want to back off Dan; like the crummy toilet paper your company develops, I take sh!t from nobody. :)

 

How's that for vain?  :wink2:

 

 

Just trying to help!  :wink2:

It's all good. Dunno why I get my vains/veins mixed up. Thanks.

Now let's discuss the problem you have with Charmin?  :whip:

 

We've had some terrible cell phone bills, with 3 kids having their own.  Problems early on with texting etc.  Finally have it down to a manageable level with unlimited.  We also get the Verizon 19% discount through P&G.

The contract thing creeps me out. If it's a carrier you like, why not. But still, isn't the ability to shop around the heart and soul of capitalism? All's I know is that Sprint roped me in for the last time a while back. I've been out of contract for probably six months and it makes me feel like I'm getting away with something. I just got done reading Bob Sullivan's "Gotcha Capitalism" and the cell companies' phony baloney surcharges and taxes on top of taxes on top of taxes is maddening, and just about totally unavoidable. A quick comparison tells you that the cell companies are positively colluding on pricing. Beyond that, service is the only way to make a decent choice. So far it looks like the Verizon folks are plenty happy. I'll be looking into going with Verizon next time I'm at Costco (they waive the activation fees). 

 

For now, a disheartening look at cell phone jail:

---

 

Most Americans are in cell phone jail

Providers have worked hard to lock customers into losing situations

 

By Bob Sullivan

 

At any given time, most Americans are in cell phone jail. 

 

You know the feeling.  You talk to a friend with a snazzy new handset that does amazing things. Or you see an advertisement for a great deal on a monthly plan. Then what do you do?

 

You sigh, wistfully wishing you could shop for a new phone.  If you are really on top of things, you call your provider and ask when your current cell phone contract expires. And then you wait.

 

One thing you don’t do: You don’t act like a rational consumer in a normal, functioning market economy.  You don’t go buy the new phone, or get the cheap new plan.  You don’t reward the more efficient company with your business. You can’t. You’re in jail.

 

Imagine if you couldn’t switch coffee shops or grocery stores without paying hundreds of dollars in penalties.  Preposterous? No — not in the world of cell phones.

 

From the start, wireless providers have worked hard to lock you up into losing situations, constructing walls with cancellation fees, service-specific phones, and the loss of your phone number.

 

Worse yet — cell phone companies can, and do, change their side of the contract unilaterally.  Consumers seemingly have no options to decline the higher prices. In other words, they can raise prices, and you can’t quit...

 

Continued...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22342054/

I have no problem with Charmin, I was just being sarcastic. Although something should be done about those disturbing commercials with the bear.

So Verizon is a pretty good deal then? I'm not wanting a contract -- and will pay full price for a phone. I'd also like to have good rural and urban coverage. My Sprint network is quite lacking at times up here in Cincinnati too.

So Verizon is a pretty good deal then? I'm not wanting a contract -- and will pay full price for a phone. I'd also like to have good rural and urban coverage. My Sprint network is quite lacking at times up here in Cincinnati too.

 

Because you're moving to Cincy soon, I would look at Cincinnati Bell Wireless then.  They have no contracts.  And as a new customer, you'll probably get a discount on a new phone as well. 

There is an office down the street. After reading some comments above, I may check into that. I'm looking to port over my number as well, but I have to wait until September or I'll break my contract with Helio.

^By the way, I just edited my post above.  My initial phrasing made it sound like I have friends who had horrible customer service experiences with Cincinnati Bell, when in reality they're switching back to Cincinnati Bell after bad experiences with Verizon and Sprint.  It sounds like you got the meaning of my post, but I wanted to clarify anyway.

My only complaint is that I'd like to get an iPhone and can't, but that's not Cbell's fault; it's AT&T's and Apple's. 

 

So unlock it.

^ Yeah, I've been considering that, but I was always afraid that Apple would find a way to permanently "brick" the thing as soon as I spent $400 on one.  Now that the 2nd gen iPhone is going to be $199, I'll be watching ebay for a cheap 1st gen model.

I had an audio malfunction with my iphone on Thursday and was pissed off beyond no end.  I scheduled an appointment with the apple store, was concerned that I'd have to wait a week to get it back or that there would be some kind of surcharge despite the warranty.

 

Within 10 minutes of walking in the store, I left with a new iphone, fresh battery (which was key!), and even a free cellphane covering for the phone.  Give it up to apple - they have expensive-ass products but their customer service is fantastic

^The contract thing creeps me out. If it's a carrier you like, why not. But still, isn't the ability to shop around the heart and soul of capitalism? All's I know is that Sprint roped me in for the last time a while back. I've been out of contract for probably six months and it makes me feel like I'm getting away with something. I just got done reading Bob Sullivan's "Gotcha Capitalism" and the cell companies' phony baloney surcharges and taxes on top of taxes on top of taxes is maddening, and just about totally unavoidable. A quick comparison tells you that the the cell companies are positively colluding on pricing. Beyond that, service is the only way to make a decent choice. So far it looks like the Verizon folks are plenty happy. I'll be looking into going with Verizon next time I'm at Costco (they waive the activation fees). 

 

For now, a disheartening look at cell phone jail:

---

 

Most Americans are in cell phone jail

Providers have worked hard to lock customers into losing situations

 

By Bob Sullivan

 

At any given time, most Americans are in cell phone jail. 

 

You know the feeling.  You talk to a friend with a snazzy new handset that does amazing things. Or you see an advertisement for a great deal on a monthly plan. Then what do you do?

 

You sigh, wistfully wishing you could shop for a new phone.  If you are really on top of things, you call your provider and ask when your current cell phone contract expires. And then you wait.

 

One thing you don’t do: You don’t act like a rational consumer in a normal, functioning market economy.  You don’t go buy the new phone, or get the cheap new plan.  You don’t reward the more efficient company with your business. You can’t. You’re in jail.

 

Imagine if you couldn’t switch coffee shops or grocery stores without paying hundreds of dollars in penalties.  Preposterous? No — not in the world of cell phones.

 

From the start, wireless providers have worked hard to lock you up into losing situations, constructing walls with cancellation fees, service-specific phones, and the loss of your phone number.

 

Worse yet — cell phone companies can, and do, change their side of the contract unilaterally.  Consumers seemingly have no options to decline the higher prices. In other words, they can raise prices, and you can’t quit...

 

Continued...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22342054/

 

In much of Europe, cell phone contracts are rare, you only pay for minutes that you use, and the bill is often less than $15 a month. Of course, Europe's higher population density means fewer towers and easier system upkeep.

^ And they also didn't have the extensive "land line" system in place that the US had, which meant that cell phone adoption was more rapid and widespread there than it was here.  When I lived in Germany in 1980, there was only one telephone and it was in the center of town.  No one had land lines to their houses.  Granted, this was in an incredibly small, country town, but this scenario was pretty much unheard of in the United States by 1980.