WirelessAdvisor.com

amphibian · 01-28-2002, 5:19 PM

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]My wife and I have phones with VoiceStream and SunCom.
My question is having a phone that is most likely to get a signal
wherever we may happen to roam !

I recently learned neither carrier supports analog.
I compared prepaid services and
one that had analog phone ($50) for emergency calls only.

Understand I'm really just looking to fill in the gaps of the services we have.

Is it reasonable to say that Verizon FREEUP with a tri-mode phone
gives me about the best chance for a signal anywhere
as anyone can offer ?

KevinJames · 01-28-2002, 6:14 PM

yes.

another choice might be ATT Wireless.

911-calls do NOT need to have an active service.

amphibian · 01-28-2002, 8:06 PM

Thank you for the two interesting points in your response.

AT&T, other than SunCom does not serve Louisville KY

And 911, is it viable option to just get the re-programmed analog phone
to have around for an emergency call
especially if neither of our phones could get a signal ?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

ComicalMoodyDan · 01-28-2002, 8:23 PM

While its true VoiceStream phones are Digital only that isn't true with Suncom. All of the phones that Suncom sells are tri-mode phones they work in Digital PCS, Digital, and analog mode so you are more likely to pick up a signal with the Suncom phone then you are with the VoiceStream phone. Depending on what service plan you have roaming on either a Digital/Analog network may cost you extra though. I was recently up in Wise, Virginia and I noticed my Suncom phone was roaming on an analog network up there and I received a call while up there and it worked fine my caller ID didn't work though but other then that the phone worked fine.

amphibian · 01-28-2002, 9:34 PM

Good to hear first-hand experience.

I'm going by what SunCom customer service describes for Louisville KY
analog not available even if I had dual or tri-mode phone.

I don't know the model number for my wife's phone
I'm guessing Nokia 5000 series (free w/plan 8 months ago).
Was told Nokia 5165 I believe, with Verizon FREEUP was dual mode
said 800 and 1900 MHz digital.

Just now scrolled thru some menus on her phone
don't think we have manual
didn't see any network selection features mentioning roaming.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

SirIsaacNewton · 01-28-2002, 9:38 PM

NO PHONE and NO CARRIER is going to work everywhere.

If you are really, really looking for a phone is that most likely to work in all the weird places, you might want to consider one of the 3-watt analog bag phones. Look for them on eBay!

Analog service is more likely to exist in rural areas where nothing else does. Areas that have any digitial service will almost assuredly also have analog service.

You can dial 911 without having a contract or phone from any provider. This assumes, of course, that you have a signal of any kind.

ComicalMoodyDan · 01-29-2002, 12:00 AM

All of the phones that Suncom sells as well as I believe all of the phones that AT&T sells are tri-mode its not an option. I happen to also have the Nokia 5165 and I will tell you it IS a tri-mode phone as long as you hit a roaming partner and have a singal you should be able to make a call with that phone.

ComicalMoodyDan · 01-29-2002, 12:09 AM

As far as the network selection goes the phone is set to automatic by default and I don't believe you can manually go to an analog network. You may however be able to select a Digital roaming partner manually although I don't know why you would want to do that. Go to Menu, system select (5), then select manual or new search to see what you have in your area on the Digital sides. I'd recommend you keep it at automatic otherwise you might face BIG roaming charges. I've noticed that mine just finds a Suncom signal because there is no TDMA 800 Mhz carrier in my area and Suncom is the only TDMA 1900 Mhz carrier in my area, it appears though the phone doesnt let you manually search or select an analog network even though my phone has roamed before in analog mode and works fine.

CDMA · 01-29-2002, 12:51 AM

Globalstar will work anywhere. Well almost. (www.globalstar.com)

amphibian · 01-29-2002, 5:26 PM

I want to thank you for your patience and informative posts
and tell you how refreshing it is to converse with a knowledgeable person
after all the mis-information given to me by individuals in Suncom customer service.

Appreciate the completenessl in your replies!

ComicalMoodyDan · 01-29-2002, 9:01 PM

You're welcome and I am surprised Suncom's customer rep's were that misinformed one thing that Suncom as well as AT&T pushes is how there phones are Tri-Mode and work virtually anywhere. I think you must just have been unlucky and got a couple of misinformed ones. Good luck though with your service and phone. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

01-28-2002, 5:19 PM	#1
amphibian Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	emergency phones, or biggest/densest footprint [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]My wife and I have phones with VoiceStream and SunCom. My question is having a phone that is most likely to get a signal wherever we may happen to roam ! I recently learned neither carrier supports analog. I compared prepaid services and one that had analog phone ($50) for emergency calls only. Understand I'm really just looking to fill in the gaps of the services we have. Is it reasonable to say that Verizon FREEUP with a tri-mode phone gives me about the best chance for a signal anywhere as anyone can offer ?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads for: emergency phones, or biggest/densest footprint
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Revol extends footprint	observer	Central US Wireless Forum	1	02-03-2006 10:11 AM
Rumor: IN-Calling being extended to whole AC footprint	Andy	Verizon Wireless Forum	13	09-26-2004 3:59 PM
EDGE Coverage Footprint	MOTOhooligan	GENERAL Wireless Discussion	10	08-31-2004 6:49 PM
VZW AC footprint enhancement: Lake Charles, LA	jayc	Southern US Wireless Forum	7	02-16-2004 1:41 AM
has anyone experienced Verizon 3G footprint?	amphibian	Northeastern US Wireless Forum	0	02-27-2002 5:09 PM

01-28-2002, 6:14 PM	#2
KevinJames WA's 1st retired mod Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Valley NorCA Posts: 2,624 Phone(s): Samsung A877, Impression Provider(s): the new AT&T Devices: Plantronics Discovery925, Garmin Nuvi 660 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	yes. another choice might be ATT Wireless. 911-calls do NOT need to have an active service.

01-28-2002, 8:06 PM	Original Poster #3
amphibian Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you for the two interesting points in your response. AT&T, other than SunCom does not serve Louisville KY And 911, is it viable option to just get the re-programmed analog phone to have around for an emergency call especially if neither of our phones could get a signal ?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

01-28-2002, 8:23 PM	#4
ComicalMoodyDan Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 6,085 Phone(s): Blackberry 8520 Provider(s): T-Mobile Devices: T-Mobile @Home Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	While its true VoiceStream phones are Digital only that isn't true with Suncom. All of the phones that Suncom sells are tri-mode phones they work in Digital PCS, Digital, and analog mode so you are more likely to pick up a signal with the Suncom phone then you are with the VoiceStream phone. Depending on what service plan you have roaming on either a Digital/Analog network may cost you extra though. I was recently up in Wise, Virginia and I noticed my Suncom phone was roaming on an analog network up there and I received a call while up there and it worked fine my caller ID didn't work though but other then that the phone worked fine.

01-28-2002, 9:34 PM	Original Poster #5
amphibian Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Good to hear first-hand experience. I'm going by what SunCom customer service describes for Louisville KY analog not available even if I had dual or tri-mode phone. I don't know the model number for my wife's phone I'm guessing Nokia 5000 series (free w/plan 8 months ago). Was told Nokia 5165 I believe, with Verizon FREEUP was dual mode said 800 and 1900 MHz digital. Just now scrolled thru some menus on her phone don't think we have manual didn't see any network selection features mentioning roaming.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

01-28-2002, 9:38 PM	#6
SirIsaacNewton Fresh Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	NO PHONE and NO CARRIER is going to work everywhere. If you are really, really looking for a phone is that most likely to work in all the weird places, you might want to consider one of the 3-watt analog bag phones. Look for them on eBay! Analog service is more likely to exist in rural areas where nothing else does. Areas that have any digitial service will almost assuredly also have analog service. You can dial 911 without having a contract or phone from any provider. This assumes, of course, that you have a signal of any kind.

01-29-2002, 12:00 AM	#7
ComicalMoodyDan Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 6,085 Phone(s): Blackberry 8520 Provider(s): T-Mobile Devices: T-Mobile @Home Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	All of the phones that Suncom sells as well as I believe all of the phones that AT&T sells are tri-mode its not an option. I happen to also have the Nokia 5165 and I will tell you it IS a tri-mode phone as long as you hit a roaming partner and have a singal you should be able to make a call with that phone.

01-29-2002, 12:09 AM	#8
ComicalMoodyDan Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 6,085 Phone(s): Blackberry 8520 Provider(s): T-Mobile Devices: T-Mobile @Home Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	As far as the network selection goes the phone is set to automatic by default and I don't believe you can manually go to an analog network. You may however be able to select a Digital roaming partner manually although I don't know why you would want to do that. Go to Menu, system select (5), then select manual or new search to see what you have in your area on the Digital sides. I'd recommend you keep it at automatic otherwise you might face BIG roaming charges. I've noticed that mine just finds a Suncom signal because there is no TDMA 800 Mhz carrier in my area and Suncom is the only TDMA 1900 Mhz carrier in my area, it appears though the phone doesnt let you manually search or select an analog network even though my phone has roamed before in analog mode and works fine.

01-29-2002, 12:51 AM	#9
CDMA Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Allen Park Michigan Posts: 540 Phone(s): Casio G'z one boulder Provider(s): Alltel Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Globalstar will work anywhere. Well almost. (www.globalstar.com)

01-29-2002, 5:26 PM	Original Poster #10
amphibian Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 269 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I want to thank you for your patience and informative posts and tell you how refreshing it is to converse with a knowledgeable person after all the mis-information given to me by individuals in Suncom customer service. Appreciate the completenessl in your replies!

01-29-2002, 9:01 PM	#11
ComicalMoodyDan Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 6,085 Phone(s): Blackberry 8520 Provider(s): T-Mobile Devices: T-Mobile @Home Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 15 Posts	You're welcome and I am surprised Suncom's customer rep's were that misinformed one thing that Suncom as well as AT&T pushes is how there phones are Tri-Mode and work virtually anywhere. I think you must just have been unlucky and got a couple of misinformed ones. Good luck though with your service and phone. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

WirelessAdvisor.com

Central US Wireless Forum

emergency phones, or biggest/densest footprint in U.S. Wireless Forums [Archive]; "[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]My wife and I have phones with VoiceStream and SunCom. ..."

WirelessAdvisor.com