HELP From You Cell Phone Gurus....

[Over_Easy]

My 2-yr contract with Sprint is up in 10 days...here's what I'm looking at:

-An Unlimited plan for talk, text and data.
-Need a new smart phone ($150 credit from Sprint or find one on craigslist?).
-I live in Land O' Lakes (34637). NP w/ Sprint or Metro at my house.

I'm looking at T-Mobile, Metro PCS (current carrier) and Sprint (current carrier).

T-Mobile: $79.99
I'm worried about T-mobile coverage as I've heard horror stories. No contract but would need to buy a phone or a contract for phone credit.

Metro PCS: $50.00
From my experience Metro has been great for local coverage but it sucked for national coverage (got zero connection in Wash DC over Xmas even though they said they had coverage there). No contract, but again need to buy a phone.

Sprint: $99.99
I would get $150 credit for a new phone but wouldn't need a contract.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[JohnnyZ1k]

I just got my first Pay As You Go phone (Boost)...I think they have unlimited everything (except web) for $50 a month...I'd do that before I sign another contract...

I got some $40 Motorola phone from Wal-Mart, not interested in anything fancy...

[Gecko]

of the three, you will most likely be happiest with T-mobile

[Over_Easy]

of the three, you will most likely be happiest with T-mobile

Why is that? (Elaborate)

[buckwild750]

I'm worried about T-mobile coverage as I've heard horror stories. No contract but would need to buy a phone or a contract for phone credit.

For coverage, just check this out. It's not 100% accurate, but it's close. Type in all of the areas you'll need coverage most and see if it's worth going with them.

As for needing a phone, you can also finance a phone for up to 20 months with no interest. Just ask about the equipment installment plan.

[GatorNerd]

Agree with gecko that you would be most happy with T-mobile. Reason being, T-mobile and Verizon are practically running the country, and coverage is pretty much even between the two of them depending on where you live.

However, nothing beats staying with Sprint and not having a contract. I personally don't like Sprint, since customer service is terrible, but I'd stay with them to not be under a contract. Cell phone contracts suck.

[Gecko]

T-mobiles phone options will always rock the other 2 options,
their coverage will inevitably be better,
GSM as a technology is better than tdma,
plans are decent.
Sprints 4G network is a the flavor of the month at best. it certainly is not going to rule in the long run.

I really could go on.
but i wont

[BobTheBiker]

I"ve got Tmobile, and honestly, they completely OWN sprint in terms of coverage, and service.

metro is great if you're only staying local, but outside our area, there arent many places they DO have good coverage, if any.

Plus Tmobile has a number of really cool Android phones, which I'm growing more and more to really like, and find pretty impressive honestly.

[Over_Easy]

Is there an additional $20 charge for T-Mobile Unlimited Web making it $99.99 like Sprint? Then I would still need to drop $400 for a T-Mobile phone.

[chip]

I was just in D.C. the other day with my Metro PCS phone and I got GREAT coverage (Also great coverage in NYC, and all the other major cities up & down I-95)

I've had AT&T, Sprint, Metro, hell, even worldcom......and the truth (as far as I'm concerned) is that pound for pound, Metro is the most hassle free provider I have ever dealt with. No hidden anything.

But if you absolutely need nation wide coverage on a regular basis, I would wait. Metro is growing fast, but they're not there yet, in regaards to complete Nation wide coverage, but if you stay in your coverage area most of the time, you can't beat Metro!

[MikeBlade524]

I have Sprint and I think that they have the best unlimited plan. Also I never had a problem with service.

[Over_Easy]

I was just in D.C. the other day with my Metro PCS phone and I got GREAT coverage (Also great coverage in NYC, and all the other major cities up & down I-95)

I've had AT&T, Sprint, Metro, hell, even worldcom......and the truth (as far as I'm concerned) is that pound for pound, Metro is the most hassle free provider I have ever dealt with. No hidden anything.

But if you absolutely need nation wide coverage on a regular basis, I would wait. Metro is growing fast, but they're not there yet, in regaards to complete Nation wide coverage, but if you stay in your coverage area most of the time, you can't beat Metro!

Problem w/ Metro is I don't feel like dumping $400 on a new phone, but I never had problems w/ LOCAL coverage. Did you have to pay additional fees or enter a code when you traveled to DC to use your phone? I got zero signal the whole week I was there and yes I had the National Unlimited Plan.

[Stricken]

I can't give you much direction with what carrier to use but if you check out www.wirefly.com for the phone it might save you some $$$. I bough a phone a while back and none of the local stores could match the offer. Just got an email from them last week and the blackberry curve? I believe was free with only a one year contract. I know you now can get an iPhone 3g for like 50 bucks.

[Highstyles_Chris]

i have boost.. 50 unlimited talk, text, data.. and you can used nextel new blackberrys

[sergeantnic]

I'd stay with Sprint. I've had them for 8 years now and have never had an issue. Customer service is fine for me?

I'd look at the HTC Hero Android phone. That's what I'm looking to get in a couple of months.

[chip]

Problem w/ Metro is I don't feel like dumping $400 on a new phone, but I never had problems w/ LOCAL coverage. Did you have to pay additional fees or enter a code when you traveled to DC to use your phone? I got zero signal the whole week I was there and yes I had the National Unlimited Plan.

Well, as far as the phone thing goes, you can bring (Migrate) any phone to Metro now. Just check with them first to make sure you won't lose any needed features.

Metro is expanding as fast as humanly possible and their doing it while also making sure their existing customers are not affected by it. I didn't do or say anythingto them about my trip, but I drove to NY last month, expecting to lose all service, but surprisingly, my phone picked up quite a bit of service (considering). I had service all through Tampa, Orlando, Daytona, parts of Ga., Sc., Nc., Dc., Nj., and NY.

I've been with Metro since they first opened and I have never been happier! I never have to worry about that shocking (and typically inevitable) $1K phone bill, like I did w/ all the others. You just have to remember that they're the underdog right now, but they're comin' out swingin'! That's for sure. $60 a Mo. gets me unlimited EVERYTHING.....from 411 w/text, to roaming, to internet. I couldn't be happier! (and no I don't work for them! LoL)

[BB07]

i just went to tmobile and signed up with them. I got the new bb curve for $30 but i signed a 2 year contract to get it. So far no problems with coverage.

[Little Nicky]

I run a metro store,there is about to be a big change than is gonna blow every competitor out of the water lol.BTW Boost is a joke.

[s1ck s0n]

i know its not an option, but id go with verizon, theyre the shit.

[chip]

I run a metro store,there is about to be a big change than is gonna blow every competitor out of the water lol.BTW Boost is a joke.

^^^^This doesn't surprise me! Metro has been setting trends and pushin hard from day 1. Whoever is runnin the show there is very hungry, determined and in touch with what it's gonna take to change the entire game. I've been able to see that since they started (In Miami). That's why I stick with 'em!

Keep me posted please????????