WirelessAdvisor.com

02-27-2002, 2:22 PM

I am in the Seattle market area. I started in cellular with CelluarOne AMPS service (no problems).

When ATT bought them out, I upgraded to PCS, but with dropped calls and POOR customer service I dropped them!

Three years ago I switched to Nextel, the service I received went from bad to worse, although Customer Service is much better!

My business takes me into buildings in the downtown & suburban areas. I typically lose signal & calls in elevator shafts and other parts of the buildings I go in. While the DirectConnect feature is nice, and it's great to get Free Incoming calls & unlimited nights & weekends for cheap, I am disenchanted with service.

The final straw was service outside the Metro area. I travel to Aberdeen/Ocean Shores, WA regularly for business & pleasure. On a recent trip, I had more dropped calls than connected calls!

As much as I HATE Qwest (qWORST), I am looking at Qwest Wireless service because it is dual mode CDMA/AMPS, and they have a $39.95/ 1000 Anytime Minute service plan.

My questions:
1. Is there anyway I can boost my Motorola i1000 plus phone? I think asking more of the iDEN network is futile!
2. Is it worth switching to qWORST?
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

BillRadio · 02-27-2002, 2:38 PM

Unfortunately, your story is not new. There is little you can do to make your phone work better, you most likely will have to switch. Qwest provides a good service, however, they are a company in trouble. They will either cancel their equipment orders or sell the system to prevent bankruptcy. They work as far as it goes, but is a company in transition. Qwest may work wel for you, if you don't mind the extra roaming charges.

Check to make sure a Qwest phone will indeed roam in those areas. Qwest doesn't have as many roaming agreements as other carriers.

A better choice may be Verizon. Reports from Seattle have been positive, but I'm not familiar with the other areas. That is probably who you would be roaming with on Qwest. Check a WA coverage map at:

http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dalbrich/or_wa.jpg

Sprint may also have non-roaming service in both areas. Sprint has been getting better reports in SEA lately.

-Bill

KevinJames · 02-27-2002, 4:00 PM

<< I typically lose signal & calls in elevator shafts and other parts of the buildings I go in >>

this is not uncommon... http://whitehare.topcities.com/BuildingCoverage.htm

02-27-2002, 5:52 PM

Do not use Qwest. You will be charged huge roaming and long distance fees because they don't have coverage along SR 12/8 to Aberdeen. I currently use Sprint and am very pleased with their coverage in the Seattle area. They also have coverage to Aberdeen, Elma and Montesano, Westport and Ocean Shores where my friends and I surf. However, service stops as soon as you get north toward Forks and south toward Grayland and Raymond. Call quality is also superior, but make sure you don't leave their network--they use the same philosophy as Qwest, no roaming as long as you call from their network. The difference is Sprint has a much more vast network.

bassman · 02-27-2002, 6:52 PM

I thought that Washington is ATT's home state! In their press releases they state that the first GSM phone call was made In (Seattle?) - how is their service so bad in this state? I have seen a couple of posts saying how bad the service is in Washington.

Befuddled,

Bassman

larry · 02-27-2002, 7:27 PM

Sprint has substantially beefed up their network in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

KevinJames · 02-28-2002, 2:48 AM

Washington's terrain is very mountainous and hilly with lots of trees. There is also the NIMBY attitude there becuase people don't want towers cluttering their view. All vendors have dead spots up there in one place or another. However, I was using my ATT wireless in Snohomish (State Route 9) just a couple weeks ago. This is really out in the boonies and yet I had perfect reception. I also checked signal to and from SEATAC -- signal all the way.

Those that are complaining about ATT would do well to upgrade their phones if they've had them for a while and got the cheapie Ericssons originally.

Dman · 02-28-2002, 11:17 AM

I think that the best thing for you to do is ask a Qwest rep in your area for a demo phone. Then test it in the areas that you are doing the majority of your business. Everyone can and will tell you their opinion, however try out a demo and see if it works for you.
Try before you buy!

Dman · 02-28-2002, 11:21 AM

<< Qwest provides a good service, however, they are a company in trouble. They will either cancel their equipment orders or sell the system to prevent bankruptcy. They work as far as it goes, but is a company in transition. >>

Where do you get this information? Is this your opinion?

KevinJames · 02-28-2002, 12:51 PM

http://www.msnbc.com/local/kulr/m150840.asp

http://www.msnbc.com/news/697272.asp#BODY

Dman · 02-28-2002, 1:08 PM

thanks for the info Kevin. However, those articles don't justify the statements made by Bill

KevinJames · 02-28-2002, 1:11 PM

You quoted the financial-woes statement and then challenged that, so that is the links I provided.

BillRadio · 02-28-2002, 1:55 PM

dMan,
You are wise to question my statements. I previously posted the articles concerning Qwest in alt.cellular, and forgot this group may not see it. First, since Qwest is based here in Denver, their troubles are on Page 1 of the business section, with a week's summary on Sunday.

Next, The Street columnist outlines Qwest's troubles at:
Link to Qwest article
or cut & paste:
http://www.thestreet.com/_iwon/tech/...IWON1111051500

In that article he outlines what Qwest will have to do to keep from going bankrupt, and two of the options are to stop expanding the Qwest Wireless, which creates an alert for Lucent investors. Or to just SELL the Qwest Wireless network. I have been told there is 'inside information' that a deal is pending...but I don't know anything about the deal, or whether it involves Qwest or just Qwest Wireless.

If i was looking at a Wireless phone service, I would look twice at Qwest. They serve their current area fairly well, but if they cancel their order with Lucent, there will be NO more network upgrades. Conversely, if they are purchased...and who would be a likely buyer, Worldcom? Cingular? Sprint? Alltel?...things could improve, but users may go through a technology conversion (i.e. to GSM w/Cingular).

I like Qwest, and I hope they survive as a seperate wireless company.

-Bill

02-28-2002, 10:24 PM

What technology does QWEST use? GSM, CDMA, etc ?

G.

~~ILUVSOCAL~~ · 03-01-2002, 2:06 AM

CDMA

josh · 03-01-2002, 3:20 AM

"I travel to Aberdeen/Ocean Shores, WA regularly for business & pleasure. On a recent trip, I had more dropped calls than connected calls"

You certainly don't want Qworst. Your best option for the western wa area if your looking for cdma/amps is of course verizon, they're going to provide the biggest cdma footprint in western wa. Your probably not going to see much improvement in the elevators, this is definatly not uncommon.

"When ATT bought them out, I upgraded to PCS, but with dropped calls and POOR customer service I dropped them!"

WOW, that was along time ago! I would recommend reconsidering ATT! There going to provide the biggest tdma/amps service. As bassman said this is there home market and they are known to be more customer focused. POOR SERVICE<I bet that was due to complaining> LoL. There is always going to be dead areas and spotty service when upgrading a network. You have to start somewhere! As you have probably read in this forum, most carriers offer some type of buyers remorse period giving you a chance to try the service in the areas you travel. Take advantage of this option.

ANSWER: ATT or VERIZON

Josh

Dman · 03-01-2002, 4:13 PM

This is the official statement regarding the selling of any division of Qwest

Qwest Communications Takes Steps To Strengthen Balance Sheet

DENVER, February 5, 2002 — Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced it is filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a shelf registration statement covering debt and equity securities. Although the
filing is for $2.5 billion in debt and equity securities, the company currently expects that it will issue no more than $1.25 billion in
equity or equity-linked convertible securities under the registration statement. The company has not determined the form of
security nor the timing for a proposed offering, which will depend on the timing of effectiveness of the registration statement and
on market conditions.

“We said last week that we are committed to the health of our balance sheet and would take steps to reduce debt by $1.5 to $2
billion,” said Joseph P. Nacchio, Qwest chairman and CEO. “This filing is the first step. We are still looking at other alternatives,
including a combination of asset sales or sales of securities associated with assets, and will fully disclose any transactions we
decide to pursue.”

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute
an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

CONFERENCE CALL TODAY

Qwest will host a conference call for investors and the media today at 10:00 a.m. (EST) with Joseph P. Nacchio, Qwest chairman
and CEO. The call may be heard on the Web at www.qwest.com/about/investor/meetings.

02-27-2002, 2:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	Upgrading to a Better Service I am in the Seattle market area. I started in cellular with CelluarOne AMPS service (no problems). When ATT bought them out, I upgraded to PCS, but with dropped calls and POOR customer service I dropped them! Three years ago I switched to Nextel, the service I received went from bad to worse, although Customer Service is much better! My business takes me into buildings in the downtown & suburban areas. I typically lose signal & calls in elevator shafts and other parts of the buildings I go in. While the DirectConnect feature is nice, and it's great to get Free Incoming calls & unlimited nights & weekends for cheap, I am disenchanted with service. The final straw was service outside the Metro area. I travel to Aberdeen/Ocean Shores, WA regularly for business & pleasure. On a recent trip, I had more dropped calls than connected calls! As much as I HATE Qwest (qWORST), I am looking at Qwest Wireless service because it is dual mode CDMA/AMPS, and they have a $39.95/ 1000 Anytime Minute service plan. My questions: 1. Is there anyway I can boost my Motorola i1000 plus phone? I think asking more of the iDEN network is futile! 2. Is it worth switching to qWORST? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

02-27-2002, 2:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
BillRadio Wireless Consultant Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Denver Posts: 1,383 Phone(s): Motorola, Nokia Provider(s): Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Images: 1	Unfortunately, your story is not new. There is little you can do to make your phone work better, you most likely will have to switch. Qwest provides a good service, however, they are a company in trouble. They will either cancel their equipment orders or sell the system to prevent bankruptcy. They work as far as it goes, but is a company in transition. Qwest may work wel for you, if you don't mind the extra roaming charges. Check to make sure a Qwest phone will indeed roam in those areas. Qwest doesn't have as many roaming agreements as other carriers. A better choice may be Verizon. Reports from Seattle have been positive, but I'm not familiar with the other areas. That is probably who you would be roaming with on Qwest. Check a WA coverage map at: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dalbrich/or_wa.jpg Sprint may also have non-roaming service in both areas. Sprint has been getting better reports in SEA lately. -Bill __________________ Cellular Reviews & Ratings. www.MountainWireless.com

02-28-2002, 1:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
BillRadio Wireless Consultant Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Denver Posts: 1,383 Phone(s): Motorola, Nokia Provider(s): Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Images: 1	dMan, You are wise to question my statements. I previously posted the articles concerning Qwest in alt.cellular, and forgot this group may not see it. First, since Qwest is based here in Denver, their troubles are on Page 1 of the business section, with a week's summary on Sunday. Next, The Street columnist outlines Qwest's troubles at: Link to Qwest article or cut & paste: http://www.thestreet.com/_iwon/tech/...IWON1111051500 In that article he outlines what Qwest will have to do to keep from going bankrupt, and two of the options are to stop expanding the Qwest Wireless, which creates an alert for Lucent investors. Or to just SELL the Qwest Wireless network. I have been told there is 'inside information' that a deal is pending...but I don't know anything about the deal, or whether it involves Qwest or just Qwest Wireless. If i was looking at a Wireless phone service, I would look twice at Qwest. They serve their current area fairly well, but if they cancel their order with Lucent, there will be NO more network upgrades. Conversely, if they are purchased...and who would be a likely buyer, Worldcom? Cingular? Sprint? Alltel?...things could improve, but users may go through a technology conversion (i.e. to GSM w/Cingular). I like Qwest, and I hope they survive as a seperate wireless company. -Bill __________________ Cellular Reviews & Ratings. www.MountainWireless.com

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

Similar Threads for: Upgrading to a Better Service
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Unlocking and Upgrading Service for GSM phones	3ncrypt0r	Buy and Sell	0	06-08-2003 3:55 PM
Upgrading phone w/FREEUP prepaid service	Mindblade	Northeastern US Wireless Forum	1	04-06-2003 9:58 AM
Upgrading the T68??		Sony Ericsson	5	08-19-2002 5:41 PM
Upgrading my service plan..		Western US Wireless Forum	4	07-10-2002 10:03 AM
Upgrading to a Better Service		GENERAL Wireless Discussion	1	02-27-2002 4:07 PM

02-27-2002, 4:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
KevinJames WA's 1st retired mod Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Valley NorCA Posts: 2,578 Phone(s): Nokia 6126 Provider(s): the new AT&T Devices: Bluetooth devices--MotoHS820, Garmin Nuvi 660 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	<< I typically lose signal & calls in elevator shafts and other parts of the buildings I go in >> this is not uncommon... http://whitehare.topcities.com/BuildingCoverage.htm

02-27-2002, 5:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	Do not use Qwest. You will be charged huge roaming and long distance fees because they don't have coverage along SR 12/8 to Aberdeen. I currently use Sprint and am very pleased with their coverage in the Seattle area. They also have coverage to Aberdeen, Elma and Montesano, Westport and Ocean Shores where my friends and I surf. However, service stops as soon as you get north toward Forks and south toward Grayland and Raymond. Call quality is also superior, but make sure you don't leave their network--they use the same philosophy as Qwest, no roaming as long as you call from their network. The difference is Sprint has a much more vast network.

02-27-2002, 6:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
bassman Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 133 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I thought that Washington is ATT's home state! In their press releases they state that the first GSM phone call was made In (Seattle?) - how is their service so bad in this state? I have seen a couple of posts saying how bad the service is in Washington. Befuddled, Bassman

02-27-2002, 7:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
larry Go Angels! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 12,868 Phone(s): LG Rumor Provider(s): Sprint Thanks: 11 Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts Images: 146 My Auctions	Sprint has substantially beefed up their network in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

02-28-2002, 2:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
KevinJames WA's 1st retired mod Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Valley NorCA Posts: 2,578 Phone(s): Nokia 6126 Provider(s): the new AT&T Devices: Bluetooth devices--MotoHS820, Garmin Nuvi 660 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Washington's terrain is very mountainous and hilly with lots of trees. There is also the NIMBY attitude there becuase people don't want towers cluttering their view. All vendors have dead spots up there in one place or another. However, I was using my ATT wireless in Snohomish (State Route 9) just a couple weeks ago. This is really out in the boonies and yet I had perfect reception. I also checked signal to and from SEATAC -- signal all the way. Those that are complaining about ATT would do well to upgrade their phones if they've had them for a while and got the cheapie Ericssons originally.

02-28-2002, 11:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Dman Fresh Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think that the best thing for you to do is ask a Qwest rep in your area for a demo phone. Then test it in the areas that you are doing the majority of your business. Everyone can and will tell you their opinion, however try out a demo and see if it works for you. Try before you buy!

02-28-2002, 11:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dman Fresh Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	<< Qwest provides a good service, however, they are a company in trouble. They will either cancel their equipment orders or sell the system to prevent bankruptcy. They work as far as it goes, but is a company in transition. >> Where do you get this information? Is this your opinion?

02-28-2002, 12:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
KevinJames WA's 1st retired mod Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Valley NorCA Posts: 2,578 Phone(s): Nokia 6126 Provider(s): the new AT&T Devices: Bluetooth devices--MotoHS820, Garmin Nuvi 660 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	http://www.msnbc.com/local/kulr/m150840.asp http://www.msnbc.com/news/697272.asp#BODY

02-28-2002, 1:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dman Fresh Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks for the info Kevin. However, those articles don't justify the statements made by Bill

02-28-2002, 1:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
KevinJames WA's 1st retired mod Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Central Valley NorCA Posts: 2,578 Phone(s): Nokia 6126 Provider(s): the new AT&T Devices: Bluetooth devices--MotoHS820, Garmin Nuvi 660 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You quoted the financial-woes statement and then challenged that, so that is the links I provided.

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

02-28-2002, 10:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	What technology does QWEST use? GSM, CDMA, etc ? G.

03-01-2002, 2:06 AM	#15 (permalink)
~~ILUVSOCAL~~ Banned Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Redwood Valley, CA Posts: 2,485 Phone(s): Nokia 3600(me), SE T616(me),T226(mom), Samsung SGH-x426(me), Nokia 7210(dad) Provider(s): AT&T(Me),Cingular(Me,Mom),Edge Wireless(Dad) Devices: BlueTrek G2 Bluetooth Headset Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Auctions	CDMA

03-01-2002, 3:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
josh Fresh Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	"I travel to Aberdeen/Ocean Shores, WA regularly for business & pleasure. On a recent trip, I had more dropped calls than connected calls" You certainly don't want Qworst. Your best option for the western wa area if your looking for cdma/amps is of course verizon, they're going to provide the biggest cdma footprint in western wa. Your probably not going to see much improvement in the elevators, this is definatly not uncommon. "When ATT bought them out, I upgraded to PCS, but with dropped calls and POOR customer service I dropped them!" WOW, that was along time ago! I would recommend reconsidering ATT! There going to provide the biggest tdma/amps service. As bassman said this is there home market and they are known to be more customer focused. POOR SERVICE<I bet that was due to complaining> LoL. There is always going to be dead areas and spotty service when upgrading a network. You have to start somewhere! As you have probably read in this forum, most carriers offer some type of buyers remorse period giving you a chance to try the service in the areas you travel. Take advantage of this option. ANSWER: ATT or VERIZON Josh

03-01-2002, 4:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
Dman Fresh Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This is the official statement regarding the selling of any division of Qwest Qwest Communications Takes Steps To Strengthen Balance Sheet DENVER, February 5, 2002 — Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced it is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a shelf registration statement covering debt and equity securities. Although the filing is for $2.5 billion in debt and equity securities, the company currently expects that it will issue no more than $1.25 billion in equity or equity-linked convertible securities under the registration statement. The company has not determined the form of security nor the timing for a proposed offering, which will depend on the timing of effectiveness of the registration statement and on market conditions. “We said last week that we are committed to the health of our balance sheet and would take steps to reduce debt by $1.5 to $2 billion,” said Joseph P. Nacchio, Qwest chairman and CEO. “This filing is the first step. We are still looking at other alternatives, including a combination of asset sales or sales of securities associated with assets, and will fully disclose any transactions we decide to pursue.” This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. CONFERENCE CALL TODAY Qwest will host a conference call for investors and the media today at 10:00 a.m. (EST) with Joseph P. Nacchio, Qwest chairman and CEO. The call may be heard on the Web at www.qwest.com/about/investor/meetings.

WirelessAdvisor.com

Clearing the static since 1998.

WirelessAdvisor.com