Dropped Calls w/ SprintPCS and Motorola Talkabout

I have a lot of problems with dropping calls and getting a good signal. I don't know if the problem is Sprint's coverage in the Bloomfield Hills MI area or with the Phone. The phone is a Motorola Talkabout about 2+ years old. The reason that I suspect the phone, is that I can be in the same room with other Sprint users - my phone shows one bar and theirs will show 2 or 3. They can hold a call in that location, I can not. Any ideas? I am about to look for greener pastures with other providers. PS - I travel a lot and need nationwide coverage, long distance, voicemail etc. I don't want web, text messaging, games or the ability to send photos of my kids - just good solid coverage.

Nick in Detroit

Its probabaly the phone. Most phones have a life span of about 24 months. Also Motorola phones, for some reason, don't work as well as other brand phones on the Sprint Network. So I would start off by getting a new phone. If the phone doesn't resolve your issue, just be sure to return it within 14 days to get a full refund.

[aaron3g]

motorola phones dont work as well with the sprint digital network because they use(d) theyre own digital signal hardware, and not sprints. nokia did the same, and it was shown that the hardware was not as reliable as the inhouse. your problem is prolly just the phone. if your doubtful, take it in to get a check on its signal strength in and out. not sayin yer wet behind the ears, but check your software version too. as for a new phone, as my buddy icon shows, i like the LG5350. but it has all the capabilities you dont want... i would shop in a store for a "2g" non vision phone. stay away from LG's 1010, and 4ne1, and kyoceras 2255. try an a460.

[IdiOTeQnoLogY]

unfortunately the a460 is also poor signal performer. the kyoceras are good just the 2255 had a screen issue. the new 2345 has a totally redesigned screen so it is a good phone at a good price. the lg 5350 seems good, any sanyo is good, the hitachi seems good and the toshiba 9155 seems to work very well on the network as well.

[SprintTechRep]

The most current software for the talkabout is version 7058 which decreases the amount of dropped calls. Check your version, if it needs an update, then you might want to try that first. I wouldnt expect it to do miracles though. I really recommend you try a sanyo 4900. If you want to stick with flip try 5150 or 5300 (available soon). Using a sanyo allows you to utilize sprints network to the fullest. Meaning they are known to get the best reception and battery life with sprint. At the moment, no sprint phone can outperform the 4900. And they just lowered the price for it too. Im sure you will be happy if you chose the right phone to use.

Goodluck!

NOTE: do NOT try the samsung A460 - it does not have good reception (compared to other phones)

[JayJay]

just for the record i have the a460 and have not had a single problem with it droping calls or not getting a good signal. However to everyone is write in saying the Sanyo phones are the best on the Sprint Network at this time. The 5300 is currently avail now, but will set you back a pretty penny! Just remember, if you buy a new phone and it doesn't work in your area, be sure to take it back to the store for a refund within 14 days...dont expect it to work later on down the line...becuase if it doesnt, you'll just be pissed off about it! Ive been told the lg 5350 is ok...however stay far away from the lg 1010.