AT&T in Bend, OR. ?????

Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have native coverage in Bend (as does US Cellular, and Unicel) but no AT&T. This just means you cannot sign up for AT&T service with a Bend address but roaming coverage should be good.

It seems logical that AT&T will eventually offer native service in Bend-- which has been growing like nuts for many years etc. You would think they would "want a part of the action."

Bend has several good options for coverage (virtually everyone but AT&T). If it were me, I'd probably go the Verizon route given that they have announced plans to buy Unicel, and already roam on US Cellular.

-Dan

 

Edge Wireless took over the AT&T spectrum in Bend and surrounding areas. They have a reciprical agreement with AT&T who can just depend on Edge for expansion in the area. Leaving the work to 'locals' gives better service to the area, anyway. Edge plans on about 70 new sites over the next year, where AT&T may build none.

AT&T has an option to buy Edge in 2008, but so far there has been no discussion on the subject. Why should they? Edge is doing a better job than AT&T would...and AT&T gets use of the network for no cash layout.

The Edge guys serve these areas very well because they wanted coverage at all their favorite fishing spots. That's not what drives AT&T. Long live Edge!

 

Thanks for the post Bill. I did not know EdgeWireless had any presence in Bend Oregon whatsoever. They continue not to list any coverage in Bend on their current web-based coverage map. In any event, if EdgeWireless provides service in Bend, I'm sure they would make a fine option.

-Dan

PS to the original poster: Partner networks of this sort are common. You may find EdgeWireless plans even better than normal AT&T, yet roam seamlessly on AT&T and other AT&T partners like Unicel. Anyway, if they have a store there, go visit them and ask them them questions about their coverage and plans.

 

What funny timing!!! AT&T just announced they're going to purchase Edge!! The OP should be very happy...now he can get an iPhone.

I bet there will be a scaling back of new cell sites, though. Another one bites the dust.

 

Yes, they are scaling back new site expansion in (former) Edge markets. Too bad for consumers!

 

And capacity issues.

 

Does anyone know if att has a corporate store in Bend, Oregon?

Thanks

 

If nothing came up on the AT&T site, then there isn't one. Closest is Eugene or Salem.

 

well any old EDGE wireless stores should be att stores now.

 

Edge Wireless does not provide local calling plans in Bend, OR... and they never have. The former Corporate Headquarters and a Call Center are located near the Old Mill District in Bend. There are no retail stores.

Roaming support for Edge customers traveling in this area is provided by other GSM providers including Unicel and T-Mobile.

Verizon has purchased Unicel and plans to convert local Bend, OR subscribers to their CDMA network and compatible devices.

Hope this helps clear things up.