Thread: Verizon vs. Sprint vs.T-Mobile vs. ? - So Cal coverage & cell phone devices

I have just about had it with Verizon after eight years. My loyalty has been rewarded with lower discounts given in their "New Every Two" program, and I'm not really sure if I want, or can justify a need, for a new smartphone that they are seemingly trying to steer me towards with their limited selection and variety of Feature Phones (non-Smartphones), as I consider an upgrade since my LG Chocolate 3 (VX8560) is on the blink.

I have been considering a switch to Sprint, or perhaps T-Mobile, and have just started to invest some time into researching both companies. So, I come to the 'Forum of Technical Know-how' here at LGK Nation and ask the following input from anybody, but paticularly, those that live in Southern California:

(1) If you're a Verizon subscriber, convince me to stay! Convince me along the lines of their service plan prices that are seemingly more than their competitors, and, also, why their Smartphone devices kick more ass than Sprint's or T-Mobile's.

(2) For those with Sprint or T-Mobile, why does your provider give you better service? Plan prices are better? Better service in your area? Also, what do you like about the particular device you use with your service?

(3) Factory store, or retailer? Any preference?

The best places to buy a cellphone are

Costco kiosks, run by Wireless Advocates- free case and charger and never an activation fee, always cheaper than Corpo.- Verizon ATT Tmo. some stand alone store carry TMo

Best Buy- Great pricing on handsets but accessories are ridiculously
overpriced ATT Verizon Sprint some stand alone store carry TMo.

Radio Shack. Also great prices accessories average priced reps not very knowledgeable but great prices- ATT Sprint Tmo.

Wal Mart Staff is bad but great prices Good luck getting any help in the connection center.

all are cheaper than Corp stores.

Coverage wise Verizon rules So Cal.
Rates Tmo or Sprint are cheapest
Cust Srvs- TMo has the edge here
Handsets- TMO IMO they do far less restriction of the UI than of the other carriers

sprint is super cheap if you want voice+data.

i swear by the evo

i can send you a link for a referral for a cheaper plan tomorrow. i need to look up the website again

I second Sprint, I'm very cheap and while Sprint's coverage was weak in the late 90s to early 00s, I have no qualms now, especially with all I get in my basic plan. I have the $69 plan for unlimited cell to cell, 450 to land lines, unlimited internet and texting, GPS navigation (which might I add just started adding very descriptive traffic and rivals my friends Garmin) plus $10 for the premium/4G since I have an EVO. My work is one of the employers that in turns gets me a 22% discount so with taxes and such I'm back in the low $70s/mo.

Here's a link Waterboy maybe refering to MyRatePlan.com - Unbiased Comparison Shopping for Services

Also I hope you saw that your "New Every Two" is going away to adjust for all those new iPhone users
Verizon's "New Every Two" program going the way of the dodo

I have Sprint. Same phone and similar plan as waterboy and MRD.

I live in Corona, closer to Lake Elsinore, right next to the mountains, and have some not so great coverage. It works, but it totally drains my battery because it's constantly searching for the best reception. However, when I'm at work or just out and about the coverage is phenomenal. Call quality is great and the 3G speeds are pretty fast. The 4G speeds are truely amazing as well. I get 4G coverage at work, and it is truely amazing.

With that said, Verizon and T-Mobile have recently opened up their 4G networks, and I would expect them to be amazingly fast as well.

I've been with Sprint for over 10 years and they are doing amazing work trying to get their customer service in order. Their plans are pretty much one size fits all and much lower than the other 3 carriers (even with their new $10 premium that they plan to charge everyone). I always like to upgrade my phone every year but for once I can say that the HTC Evo is the best phone I ever used.
Posted via Mobile Device

Verizon, best coverage by far. Yes, price is somewhat higher but in my opinion you get what you pay for.
Don't even consider ATandT.
I don't know too much about the others because I had them so long ago and the coverage back then was horrific.
I will stick with verizon, even though they can be somewhat expensive because I have coverage everywhere and have never had a problem exchanging phones or getting help with lowering plan rates.

Sprint's coverage is ass compared to Verizon, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

My suggestion is since you already have Verizon wireless test out Sprint or T-mobile in the same areas you normally live work and play in and see if there's that much drop in coverage. I currently live in Upland and 4G isn't the best but when I lived in West Covina it was pretty good and I get perfect reception all over downtown LA. If you don't like it there's always the 30 day guarantee.