Couple ?'s for the Experts

[stunna]

A friend of mine asked me a couple questions that I could not answer but I know there are a lot of experts in this forum. Any input you might have would be greatly appreciated!

(1) My friend is thinking of switching to Verizon from Cingular. She is looking at a phone that is "digital only." Does this mean there is a higher chance that she will have more dropped calls than if she had a phone that has analog backup? When I had Verizon, my phone had analog backup so I just about never dropped a call (at least I think that was the reason why). Also, can she expect to see patches without service along the 101 (from San Francisco to LA) with a digital only phone (in comparison to a phone with both digital and analog?

(2) When she changes phone companies, does she contact Cingular if she wants to keep her number or does she call Verizon and they take care of the switch?


Thanks everyone in advance for your inputs!

[Matt]

I can't answer (1), but (2) is DEFINITELY contact Cingular. You contact your NEW provider and they take care of the switch. Do NOT call and cancel Verizon or you may lose your number!

[ShoresGuy]

As far as I can tell, what your girlfriend would need is a GAIT phone through Cingular such as the Nokia 6340i (Nokia 6340i). A GAIT phone has digital coverage (GSM/TDMA) and analog coverage on AMPS 800. However I am not sure if there is a GAIT option for California. She will be fine along 101 in the Bay Area but once she passes places like Morgan Hill, Gilroy etc all the way down to San Luis Obispo coverage might be spotty depending on the terrain. As for the rest of the trip down 101, I don't know since I have not been down that way for a long time.

The 6340i offers digital reception at GSM 850/1900, TDMA 800/1900 and analog coverage at AMPS 800. But in order to use this, Cingular would have to offer analog coverage as well. As far as I know, they don't have this option and T-Mobile is digital (GSM) only even though they once had an analog back-up roaming agreement with some providers back East.

Your best bet is to check with Cingular and see what they can offer you,

Best of Luck [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[danny boi]

Didn't you mean switching TO VZW from Cingular. Analog gives you service where there is no digital reception available. Unless your girlfriend finds herself in these areas, she shouldn't have to worry about dropping more calls. From time to time, as you travel, your phone may inadvertingly switch back and forth and you might not even realize it. In these areas, she might see the "no service" sign temporarily. VZW's digital network is huge. I have a lg vx6000 and have had awesome coverage here in So. California. VZW doesn't advertise on TV that its network is analog free, but I can tell you from personal experience that at least here in So. Cali, you won't find another wireless network with the same reliability and reputation to back it up. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] And if she is switching, go to VZW first and they'll cancel the Cingular contract for you so you don't have to. That way she can keep her number.

[danny boi]

As long as you are close to the coast along HWY 101 you should be fine. But inland towards Nor. Cali. you might encounter some weak areas as ILUVSOCAL might tell you. Up there, he says Cingular shines brighter. You might ask him how both VZW and Cingular do up there as he uses both services. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

[ShoresGuy]

Sorry guys, I misread the post. In that case, Verizon would obviously be a better choice since with them your gf would definitely have the analog backup.

Cheers [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

[stunna]

Thanks everyone! My girlfriend is now definitely going to make the switch to Verizon. Greatly appreciate all the input! Happy holidays!

[ShoresGuy]

You're welcome and same to you, it's always best to go with what provider will work best for you [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img].

Good Luck