Nextel in Central/NE Ohio?

[VTEC01EX]

I just checked out the government employee Nextel plans and discovered I can get an amazing deal, so now I'm interested in the most important issue - coverage. I know I won't get the VZW-style coverage in the boonies that I'm used to, but how is it around Columbus and Cleveland specifically?

[AnthroMatt]

I have no personal experience, but I have heard that Nextel is very good in Columbus. I don't know about Cleveland though.

[amc]

I have been with Nextel for about 5 years here in Columbus.
I have had great service and about a year ago I turned off my landline phone and only carry my cell so that should speak for something.
There have been some discussions about the current line of phones and some trouble the i730 was having with service. It seems to be hit or miss with the phone. They have supposedly corrected it with a new revision of the phone/software. Look for a "T" model of the phone or software or something like that. The other nice phone now is the i830 which is small and light, probably what you are used to from another carrier. And lastly they will release the new camera phone in October (rumor has it anyway).
I have an older i95 that is excellent as far as signal, clarity, battery life, etc. I think I am going to forgo the new camera phone and get the BlackBerry.
I have a 10% discount by being an OSU student and it is great. I have 1100 minutes for $50 a month after the discount and since my wife is on my plan and the plan is in my name her plan gets the discount too. The discount usually is only on the price of the plan and not the total bill.
The signal is great, you will get to deal with corporate/government customer care which seems to be better than the usual customer service reps. So when you call in you will need to use another number (after you get your service going) or call the free 611 number and they will transfer you to corporate/government.
Another thing is that you will get great service there on campus - I thought I read at some point that you were a stude, forgive me if I am wrong. Nextel's signal seems to do well on campus and in buildings, etc. I even get service going deep into Tuttle Mall, etc where some others do not.
You are correct that you may or may not lose some signal in some of the more remote areas. I never go to any so I do not have that problem.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Andrew

[coalminer]

Nextel has improved greatly in the last year in the NE Ohio area, I had a Nextel phone through work 3 years ago, and it was terrible, couldnt use it in the building, at my campgrounds and not very well at home. Now all of those dead spots have been fixed, they have added alot of towers in this area. Where are some spots that you will be using it, I may be able to give you some more detailed info.

[VTEC01EX]

amc, you are correct, I am a "stude" (well, actually I'm staff too). The only phone I'm considering is the i830. In fact, after reading the responses to this thread, I'll likely order it today. I'm going to be getting that same discount you're getting, and our plans sound roughly the same. I'm doing that promo 1000 anytime/unlimited nw and DC plan they've got now, and it comes out to $49 with the discount. Also, the only Nextel dead spots I've found, with a friends help, are my desk (gah!), the front half of Independence Hall, and the basement of Hitch****. Not bad, not bad at all.