Orange County, CA - irvine and southern OC (What provider to go with?)

[DerangedGoose]

I currently have T-mobile as my service provider. I live in Irvine, which is about the southwestern-most portion of OC. There are parts of irvine i dont get reception in, like turtle rock (an area that verizon and sprint seem to do just fine in), as well as certain areas of newport coast and the coastline in general. My question is this: I am planning to upgrade my plan to include data and internet service, as I plan to make my next phone a full-featured internet browsing capable phone. I have heard many good things about blackberries and their network. Is it worth going with T-mobile's internet and data plan? Which phone should I use? will i see increased service coverage with the addition of the blackberry network? Should i switch to verizon (even though their plans are overpriced and their phones proprietary) or another provider?


Thanks so much for your help!

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by DerangedGoose

I currently have T-mobile as my service provider. I live in Irvine, which is about the southwestern-most portion of OC. There are parts of irvine i dont get reception in, like turtle rock (an area that verizon and sprint seem to do just fine in), as well as certain areas of newport coast and the coastline in general. My question is this: I am planning to upgrade my plan to include data and internet service, as I plan to make my next phone a full-featured internet browsing capable phone. I have heard many good things about blackberries and their network. Is it worth going with T-mobile's internet and data plan? Which phone should I use? will i see increased service coverage with the addition of the blackberry network? Should i switch to verizon (even though their plans are overpriced and their phones proprietary) or another provider?


Thanks so much for your help!

Blackberry doesn't operate a "network" like T-Mobile, they use servers for their data options. If there isn't coverage with T-Mobile, there's no way BB data can work. T-Mobile operates the PCS network that makes BB's work properly, so no, coverage won't improve just because it's a BB phone.

You might want to consider AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. They have pretty good coverage in So. OC. There are pluses and minuses with all of them.

Take advantage of the 30 day trial periods with other carriers to see how they really will work for you. All carriers have the same types of BB phone's, so it's really up to you which one you want to try out.

If your trial period works well, you can port your number over to the new carrier (assuming you are not on contract with T-Mobile, otherwise you'll get the $200 early term fee from T-Mo).

[DerangedGoose]

Originally Posted by Mobile Mike

Blackberry doesn't operate a "network" like T-Mobile, they use servers for their data options. If there isn't coverage with T-Mobile, there's no way BB data can work. T-Mobile operates the PCS network that makes BB's work properly, so no, coverage won't improve just because it's a BB phone.

You might want to consider AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon. They have pretty good coverage in So. OC. There are pluses and minuses with all of them.

Take advantage of the 30 day trial periods with other carriers to see how they really will work for you. All carriers have the same types of BB phone's, so it's really up to you which one you want to try out.

If your trial period works well, you can port your number over to the new carrier (assuming you are not on contract with T-Mobile, otherwise you'll get the $200 early term fee from T-Mo).

What are these pluses or minuses? Or does it just amount to each one of them happens to have blackout spots in their coverage areas, and its a matter of give and take relating to which spots I want to deal with?

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by DerangedGoose

What are these pluses or minuses? Or does it just amount to each one of them happens to have blackout spots in their coverage areas, and its a matter of give and take relating to which spots I want to deal with?

The pluses and minuses include coverage, customer service, plan prices, phone selection, and just about everything else that make up the wireless experience.

You're never going to find a carrier that has coverage EVERYWHERE, especially in the hilly areas of South OC.

The only way you're really going to know what other carrier might work better than what you have with T-Mobile is to take advantage of a 30 day trial.

[larry]

Mobile Mike pretty much said it well.

With Sprint you have the option of using an Airave for better coverage inside your home or office (if needed). It's turned out to be a really good device but does cost $100 and a small service fee unless you can get it free or at a reduced price like many have been able to do.