Have never used a cell phone but have been reading posts to wirelessadvisor and reading websites for the carriers. I am in need of cellular service from New Port Richey, FL down to Sun City Center, FL and everything in between ( i.e. Tampa/St. Pete) Need approximately 900-1000 anytime minutes, free long distance, one year contract or less (!), and ideas on what phone to get. I am gathering that Sprint has good coverage for this area based on previous posts. I would be grateful for some guidance as its really true.....I have never owned a cell phone before. What service and phones make sense for this market? Thanks in advance. CCE
Take a close look at Alltel. From my travels up and down the western half of the Florida peninsula, they seem to have an incredible number of towers. I'm currently signed up with Verizon, and they have an agreement with Alltel to provide "extended network" coverage and I notice my phone on "extended network" with Alltel so much that I'm starting to consider just getting Alltel myself! They're also packaging some good deals now on N&W minutes-- even on their NATIONAL Freedom plan! (Verizon Are You Listening!!??).
Jack, if you're out there, what's you're overall experience as a customer of Alltel? This would be a good place for your comments!
Sprint has some great plans out there now, and has great Florida coverage. Those minutes can be used nationwide too. I'd go with them over Alltel though Alltel is not a bad choice, but I think Sprint is better.
Before you do any business with Sprint, I would advise you to look really closely at their customer service. I spent one bad year with Sprint. Sprints network is much weaker than their maps would indicate. I frequently incurred roaming charges while right in Jacksonville. When I attempted to call customer service, I would plan on spending up to 30 minutes on hold. Then, after a long time on hold, the customer service reps would seem not to be able to do anything for me. Check out the Sprint PCS newsgroups for hundreds of complaints about them.
