Myths and truths about wireless carriers

I found this posted on another forum by someone else and thought I would post it here. Now I realize there will be some members here who will disagree with some of this but I actually think most of it right on target. Might make for interesting discussion.


Myth: If you want coverage, go with Verizon:
Truth: Verizon's strongest argument is its coverage in rural areas. In most major metropolitan areas, however, its service ranges from rather lousy to good. If you want coverage, sign up for a no-roaming plan with your provider.

Myth: Sprint PCS has the smallest data footprint.
Truth: Sprint PCS actually has a very large coverage area where data services can be used. While VZW, Cingular, and ATTWS only have data services in their major markets, over 99% of SPCS's network has data services.

Myth: Cingular / AT&T's deployment of EDGE means its customers experience data speeds similar/faster to Sprint PCS.
Truth: EDGE only benefits EDGE enabled phones, and only in certain markets where EDGE is available. Upon testing my two EDGE phones in NYC (6200 & 3200) , no noticeable increase in data rates occurred. Second off, EDGE works at different data rates- the 3200 was only capable of 40kbps, while the 6200 was capable of 112 kbps.

Myth: Sprint ranks low in terms of network quality
Truth: Sprint's overall network integrity bests mosts carriers. This is because Sprint oversaw the construction of its entire network, as opposed to creating a patchwork network such as AT&T or Verizon. While Verizon has ironed out most of its bugs, AT&T has not. As of April 2004, many of AT&T's "affiliate" networks still charged AT&T customers roaming rates (on accident) , and prevented customers from accessing next-generation services.

Myth: Sprint ranks worst in customer service
Truth: Customer service from all carriers is horrendous. Billing errors, screwups, accidental charges, and even failure to put down the proper plan has happened to me on every single carrier (except Sprint... so far.) Sprint PCS has actually taken strides to fix these problems, and now allows customers to manage their account online. I have personally found it to eliminate any mystery as to my bill.

Myth: In-network (mobile to mobile) calling is something exclusive
Truth: Every major carrier now offers in-network calling.

Myth: Cingular offers the largest in-network (mobile to mobile) calling area.
Truth: Most carriers now allow M2M calling minutes anywhere there's service when you have a no-roaming plan. (Such as Sprint with F&CA)

Myth: It doesn't matter if my provider doesn't offer unlimited incoming SMS
Truth: SMS, just like email, can become subject to SPAMMERS, as did happen to mine. Fortunately, it was only a small inconvenience, and my service provider blocked the sender. Had I not had unlimited incoming SMS, I would've paid dearly for it.

Myth: I should never need to roam.
Truth: You may never in fact need the ability to 'roam,' but, what plans like Sprint's F&CA allows you to do is use another network for voice calls (providing it's not the majority) if, for some reason, their network isn't operating, or gives you problems. (Hasn't happened with Sprint, happened a lot while on the road with AT&T.)

Myth: Equipment replacement programs aren't worth it. I'll just buy a new phone!
Truth: 3 million things can happen to your new phone, and you have to have had it for 18 months until Sprint will subsidize a new one for you. (Some providers, such as VZW, require 24 months!) If you lose it, you have to pay full price for the new phone, and the clock is reset on your rebate.

Myth: With my GSM phone, I can take it to Europe and use it over there!
Truth: GSM phones are locked on home networks. You'll have to pay international roaming rates for usage over there. Your best bet is to purchase a cheap prepaid phone over there.

Myth: I can just stick in a SIM card from a european cell provider and keep my phone!
Truth: Even on providers like T-Mobile, phones are locked to the network in your home country, and you cannot slip in a SIM card from T-Mobile in another country!

Myth: I can simply switch providers and keep my GSM phone!
Truth: All major providers 'lock' their phones onto their networks. You will have to pay to unlock your GSM phone, OR purchase an unlocked one.

Myth: almost all cell phone providers have a service that allows me to send lots of pictures to my friends and family!
Truth: Only SprintPCS and T-Mobile offer unlimited picture messaging plans. With other providers, you must purchase a 'picture pack,' which will not include data/airtime usage. Costs per message can range from 20 cents to 40 cents to send!

Myth: CDMA has the best sound quality, GSM has the best sound quality, etc.
Truth: Sound quality depends more on the phone than on the network. A good phone will sound good on any network, be it TDMA, iDen, CDMA, or GSM. There are certain CDMA phones that sound worse than TDMA phones (Sanyo 4900 vs. Nokia 3360) , and some GSM phones that sound better than CDMA phones (Sony Ericsson Z600.) For instance, my Toshiba VM4050 sounds better while on Analog (good signal) than my Sister's PM8200 (good signal) on digital.

Myth: Cameraphones are being banned.
Truth: Nextel dealers will try and pull this one on you- Cameraphones are flying off of the shelves, and Cameraphones are doing just fine. While many news stations try and sensationalize the 'bad side' of cameraphones, it's really more hype than anything.

Myth: Cameraphones are pointless
Truth: Most people who own cameraphones find them incredibly useful. I've printed 4x6 photos my Toshiba VM4050 has taken (and they look good, too!) , but the real winner is convenience. If you're going to buy a cameraphone, see how easy it is to upload, send, and share those pictures. Otherwise, the camera feature is pointless.

Myth: Readylink is an an alternative to Nextel's Direct Connect
Truth: Readylink is currently more of a 'small call' feature than a true walkie-talkie service. There's too much lag time / setup time to make it an alternative for professional usage.

 

LOL I figured I would get a reply from you on this one.

 

Ok so there's one error. Any others?

 

Yes it is biased towards Sprint that's for sure.

 

That's why I posted it.

 

Sprint's network is much larger than Alltel's. In addition Sprint also uses Verizon's and Alltel's systems for expanded coverage. Sprint and Verizon have similar coverage when taking into consideration pops covered. Verizon does have a bigger overall land coverage than Sprint but for most wireless customers this is not really a big advantage.

 

I agree. No carrier is perfect in every market and every carrier has a lousy market or two in which they need improvement. In Verizon's case they do have some places that they are lousy or at least not as good as the rest. Lake and Mendocino County comes to mind as well as Northern AZ.