Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.
ourtech said:
Although I have been a very satisfied T-Mobile customer for the last 7 years, it appears and tech support confirms that the tower that I connect to at home is oversold and instead of the 16 to 20 megs down that I used to get, I am now getting 1.5 meg on a good day and it goes down to .3 meg on bad days. I can't live with that as I have little other access to Internet bandwidth in my neighborhood and it gets worse every week. I use the Internet for business. The only fix appears to be another tower. Not a quick fix.
So, If I make the switch, what happens? Although it may work out better in switching if I give Sprint my existing Nexus 6, I will be using a Nexus 6 with them. I read comments that I will lose simultaneous voice and data use because of their Spark network. Is that true? What LTE speeds should I expect? I also understand that I will lose tethering if I opt for the unlimited plan (I am actually leaning toward the 20 GB family plan which I understand that I can share with my data enabled devices.) I don't read any nice things about Sprint.
Any thoughts you can share would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.
chaunold said:
Dont do it bro, sprint is horrible. Tell me if you find 25 people you know that love sprint more than T-Mobile. Sprint is a rotting company hiding behind sales gimmicks and ideas from T-Mobile. T-Mobile is still rolling out this year with Band 12 700Mhz and its LTE footprint roll out replacing old edge areas. More people complain about sprint way more than T-Mobile. So if you dont like T-Mobile, you might as well get shartrizon or AT$$$T. I would recommend calling T-Mobile to send a tech. to your area to fix the issue or report it for fixing.
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See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.
Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.
I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.
ourtech said:
See, that is my feeling as well. I can't find anyone that has nice things to say. As to AT&T or Verizon, wow does the cost jump. And to the point about getting a tech out there, been there, done that. T-Mobile is very aware of the problem. They have bee running tests for a while. Sadly, it is oversold. Not broken. Don't have too many options. There were some numbers from Verizon that weren't horrible, but I don't think Verizon pays ETFs.
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I had verizon wireless for 10 years and left them over a year ago for T-Mobile. I didn't regret anything. I didn't switch because of price because I could afford verizon, but their plans and phones suck and they are scam artists trying to rape every penny from you just like John Legere quoted. In my area and even in rural places in georgia I get pretty decent excellent coverage and service. At home I usually get from 80-112mbps down and 7-15mbps up. Verizon couldn't match that and hell, everyone I know that has sprint hate it and are jumping to T-Mobile because they get less than 1mbps and call quality sounds like pure ****. T-Mobile has nationwide VoLTE and WiFi calling and texting and the "Uncarrier" exclusives. I have unlimited data so I use it as my home internet since I have root for tethering unlimited data and its way faster than charters fastest speeds they deliver to my house lol. Sprint is also bad just like verizon because remember they are money hungry companies and they will lock u in contracts and can only use their cdma devices or select unlocked devices like the nexus 6. I heard verizon doesn't recognize the unlocked nexus 6, idk if that is true or not.
Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.
ourtech said:
I have looked at Cricket. The problem is that I do exceed 10 GB in some months and there is no provision for tethering or tablets that I could see. One of those options would be necessary.
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Although tethering is not supported, it does work.
There also would be no issue popping in a Cricket SIM in a Nexus 9. I've considered selling my WiFi N9 and getting a LTE N9 with a 20GB Cricket SIM.
metaphz said:
Is Cricket Wireless an option? They are essentially AT&T with throttled LTE speeds of 8Mpbs down, no throttle up. I am paying $55/month for 20GB of LTE data. They no longer offer that plan, but have the same plan at 10GB of data.
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metaphz said:
Someone is selling a CricketWireless 20GB LTE plan on Howard Forums...I have had ZERO issues using Cricket with my Nexus 6...in fact I am loving it.
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From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April. Thanks though.
ourtech said:
From what I could see in the Howard forums, the 20 GB promo expired in April.
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It did expire, someone is selling their account.
ourtech said:
Link? And what about tablets or tethering? I need that data sometimes when I am out in the field and I have to remote into something. Yes, even my 6 inch screen is a little small. I don't see any plans for tablets.
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Click to collapse
There is an app on the playstore if you have root called "WiFi Tether Router" which will work or if you want unlimited native tethering.
#1 in SQL lite go to /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/settings.db/global
#2 add " tether_dun required " and set the value to 0
#3 in your APN settings add " dun " to APN type and set your APN to IPv4 only since IPv6 doesnt support this.
Either use OpenSignal app or their site and zoom in on your neighborhood. They have a list of carriers with their average upload and download speed.
Personally I wouldn't use Sprint as OpenSignal and Rootmetrics has shown it is the slowest network across the country.
Get a AT&T GoPhone sim and try them out for a month. Walmart sells the sims. They now have rollover data on prepaid just like T-mobile. Plus they're not throttled like Cricket.
I wait for Callingmart to announce their monthly 10% off GoPhone refills on Twitter. Then refill each month saving me $6.
Just my 2¢ but I have been with Sprint for going on 8 years. Their service is great in my area (now) and their customer service has always been outstanding. While I do agree that they don't have the best coverage, they have come a long way in my time with them. You can get unlimited, TRULY unlimited data with them for a good price. They offer payment plans on the top devices and as I said, customer service has bent over backwards for me more than once. Choice is yours, OP, just do your homework and choose wisely.
I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.
bob2300nx said:
I have no complaints with Sprint. They recently upgraded my area to LTE and its fast. Its really pointless to ask random people on the internet because they more than likely do not live in your state much less your city. Signal strength is the most important aspect of cell phone service and you wont find that answer here. I would find a coverage map and compare the carriers, make sure it is a legitimate coverage map and not advertising. I would also ask people in your area with Sprint so you can compare.
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To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.
Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
ceo4eva said:
Free data after you reach your limit, and free music service streaming
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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Good point. Hadn't thought about those. Thanks.
This morning my Speed Tests were decidedly better. At least 8 and as high as 12 meg. I haven't seen those numbers in months. So, (holding breath), perhaps my last call got something changed. I won't make changes unless I am sure there is no hope for change.
ourtech said:
To each his own. I have learned a lot from this, coverage map aside (I am in a Spark enabled area of moderate strength, the same as I am for T-Mobile and for that matter, likely AT&T, which tells me little that I didn't already know. It is a topology issue.) My question wasn't about coverage. It was about the experience. I have learned that, unlike T-Mobile, Sprint customer service is out of country, but some have had good experiences with the company. I have also received useful suggestions about alternatives. This has been very useful to me. Sprint could have the strongest signal in my area and still be a company to avoid like the plague.
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Other than calling to activate new phones, I have only had to call once in all my years with Sprint and I have no complaints on it. I don't generally need service, I pay my bill and use my phone lol. As far as overseas call centers, that's not entirely true; there is a Sprint call center in my city (along with a T-Mobile call center). To each their own.
I switched from Sprint to Verizon as my family plan 4 years ago, best decision of my life. Sprint will frustrate you beyond belief with their slow data, you won't even be able to load Google. I know you said the big 2 cost too much, so I'd stay with T-Mobile if I were you, avoid Sprint at all costs. I personally love Verizon, have 5 off contract smartphones with them, 15GB shared data, and pay $153+tax a month.
Related
Post screenshots. As of now I don't think Wideband in Columbus, Ohio is live. My speeds are the same as before. What speeds should we be getting?
Anyone know the screen mode # for the flex to see the information?
I see this hidden menu option but not sure where to find if I'm on 15mhz.
*3845#*959# And don't want to mess my phone up. Lol
http://www.lg-phones.org/lg-g-flex-hidden-service-menu.html
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
Hmmmmm i tried them numbers for Sprint and it didn't work but in your menu do you see lte engineering? I know for Sprint what i do is ##debug# takes me to a menu where i can see lte engineering and in there it would show which band your connected to.
yellowman82 said:
Hmmmmm i tried them numbers for Sprint and it didn't work but in your menu do you see lte engineering? I know for Sprint what i do is ##debug# takes me to a menu where i can see lte engineering and in there it would show which band your connected to.
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I looked and don't see that. Maybe I'll post all the options later. It's like 3 screen shots.
3845#*959# This is the hidden menu for T-Mobile. In the OP I had a * in front and was wondering why it didn't work. lol
For AT&T: Go to dialer and enter 3845#*950#
For Sprint: Go to dialer and enter 3845#*995#
39.51 down, 11.86 up, on VOLTE inside my house, outside of Chicago..
wase4711 said:
39.51 down, 11.86 up, on VOLTE inside my house, outside of Chicago..
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Nice but do VOLTE has anything to do with your network speed? Thought VOLTE was voice over lte so you can talk on the phone while browsing the web using lte?
yellowman82 said:
Nice but do VOLTE has anything to do with your network speed? Thought VOLTE was voice over lte so you can talk on the phone while browsing the web using lte?
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Not sure if it does anything for speed, since I am usually on wifi, and dont pay alot of attention to OTA data speed..
If I recall, when I did some tests awhile ago, I never got more than 14-20 megs down, and 6-7 megs up while in my house.
I thought those speeds were acceptable.
T-Mobile has a fantastic network in my area, and I was very happy with their phone/data speeds and quality, even before these updates..
wase4711 said:
Not sure if it does anything for speed, since I am usually on wifi, and dont pay alot of attention to OTA data speed..
If I recall, when I did some tests awhile ago, I never got more than 14-20 megs down, and 6-7 megs up while in my house.
I thought those speeds were acceptable.
T-Mobile has a fantastic network in my area, and I was very happy with their phone/data speeds and quality, even before these updates..
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Yea i just did a google search and basically VOLTE really doesn't improve network speeds either T-Mobile updated something through that update or probably the tower around you got a small upgrade. I'm on sprint and i can't complain much as to they are really improving their network and trying to get everywhere covered here's some speeds of mine on sprint.
wow, where are you located?
before I came to Tmobile in February, I was a Sprint user for many years, and, I never had many problems with their network, although the data speeds were horrible.
when they announced the "new" network last year, I was excited that Chicago was one of the first cities to be upgraded; however, once the "upgrade" started, the network was horrific for me; we couldnt make phone calls from our house, data/calls would drop everywhere, and even with an AirRave, their service went from OK to unusable for me. Fortunately, Tmobile announced their program to pay your cancellation fees and such at that time, so we switched to TMO, and have had fantastic service from Day one.
I hated to leave Sprint after all those years, and especially when there was this promise of their great "new" network, so I am amazed to see you have such fantastic speeds and good call quality with them now.
wase4711 said:
wow, where are you located?
before I came to Tmobile in February, I was a Sprint user for many years, and, I never had many problems with their network, although the data speeds were horrible.
when they announced the "new" network last year, I was excited that Chicago was one of the first cities to be upgraded; however, once the "upgrade" started, the network was horrific for me; we couldnt make phone calls from our house, data/calls would drop everywhere, and even with an AirRave, their service went from OK to unusable for me. Fortunately, Tmobile announced their program to pay your cancellation fees and such at that time, so we switched to TMO, and have had fantastic service from Day one.
I hated to leave Sprint after all those years, and especially when there was this promise of their great "new" network, so I am amazed to see you have such fantastic speeds and good call quality with them now.
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I'm located in Miami and before having a sprint spark phone i had the note 2 which was really struggling on the band 25 network, i too was considering leaving them for T-Mobile but when the flex came out i went to the store to check it out and ran some speed test while i was there and i was amazed by sprint spark new bands so i decided to stay but I'm pretty sure Chicago should be good now or atleast picking up, sprint choose the best route in upgrading their network so it's really going to pay off when they are complete.
Stay on topic please both of you. Hehe j/k.
I left Sprint after 14 years for T-Mobile a little over a year ago. It's kind of funny how Sprint and T-Mobile switched roles at least in some places. T-Mobile use to suck but now Sprint does. I'm really surprised how quick T-Mobile improved the network. I thought Softbank would turn Sprint around quickly but that didn't happen. Now if the Sprint/Tmobile merger happens I don't see that being a good thing. If it does happen I'll probably go to AT&T.
I get around 20mbps with T-Mobile and that's more then enough for me. I'm running a lot of speed test waiting for the Wideband LTE to be active though. Lol
Man those Spark speeds from Sprint are insane! Honestly if Sprint could roll those numbers out for majority of consumers, I'd all be for the merger, lol!
JesseMT4G said:
Man those Spark speeds from Sprint are insane! Honestly if Sprint could roll those numbers out for majority of consumers, I'd all be for the merger, lol!
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I was more shocked when i ran the app and got these results when i'm usually averaging between 25~40mbps. I would like the merger to happen because it will actually give them a chance to compete against the big 2 major carrier especially with their prices.
I cant imagine that with the hundreds of millions they have both spent recently to upgrade their networks, their networks beings incompatible with each other, that there will ever be a merger between these 2..would the "merged" company be GSM or CDMA? Would they have spent 100's of millions to upgrade their incompatible networks, if a merger was in the works?
Doesn't make any sense, but who knows..
Sprint is taking years upgrading it's network even with Sotfbanks $. T-Mobile upgraded the network in a year. I really don't see prices going down if the merger happens. If anything they would go up. I'm just shocked Hesse still has a job. I do want to see Sprint turn things around though.
sweets55 said:
Sprint is taking years upgrading it's network even with Sotfbanks $. T-Mobile upgraded the network in a year. I really don't see prices going down if the merger happens. If anything they would go up. I'm just shocked Hesse still has a job. I do want to see Sprint turn things around though.
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Well you see that's where you don't know the difference the reason they're taking longer is the direction they went by also changing the whole equipment base etc at each site which are going to pay off in the long run tmobile isn't doing that they just upgrading their speed and such that's why they are finishing way quicker which is going to hurt them later on in the future when they really realize that it would have to replace almost all the equipment in that base site which will lead to problems like customer calling and complaining about the issue they are having with their service and such basically its going to be a deja vu all over again.
Here's what I'm seeing in Birmingham, Alabama. War Eagle !
Sent from my LG-D959 using Tapatalk
yellowman82 said:
Well you see that's where you don't know the difference the reason they're taking longer is the direction they went by also changing the whole equipment base etc at each site which are going to pay off in the long run tmobile isn't doing that they just upgrading their speed and such that's why they are finishing way quicker which is going to hurt them later on in the future when they really realize that it would have to replace almost all the equipment in that base site which will lead to problems like customer calling and complaining about the issue they are having with their service and such basically its going to be a deja vu all over again.
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Click to collapse
Dude take off your Sprint blinders. lol I was with Sprint for 14 years and had so many phones I've lost track. lol My point is I know what's going on in the wireless industry. Sprint is taking years to upgrade the network because they keep making bad decisions. Clearwire was a bust. WiMAX was a bust. LightSquared deal was a bust too – granted, that one wasn't really Sprint’s fault. Oh and the big Nextel mistake. Sprints history shows an inability to pick a winner. The only customers calling to complain are Sprints. I feel bad for Sprint customers when Hesse says "just wait for the network of your dreams". lmao They have been waiting for years. Sprint should be giving them a credit since some can't even watch a youtube video. I was one a year ago and Sprint said all 4 of my phones were defective. lol They offered me a one time $5 credit. I laughed then hung up the phone and went to T-Mobile. Then Sprint comes out with Framily. lol I think that's so stupid. I don't want to have recruit strangers and then worry about them paying the bill on time so my bill doesn't change.
T-Mobile has expanded Wideband LTE into 16 total markets, giving all T-Mobile LTE devices a speed boost with capable peak network download speeds up to nearly 150 Mbps. In January T-Mobile bought a swath of unused spectrum from Verizon Wireless for $3.3 billion that will help expand its coverage to more regions outside of the metropolitan areas.
I really hope the merger doesn't happen because T-Mobile is hot and Sprint will just cool them off. lol Hopefully T-Mobile can get another 3 billion for the failed deal like what happened with AT&T. No one can predict the future as far as you saying T-Mobile will go through what Sprint is going through now. Good thing is I'm not in a contract. Hopefully Sprint can turn things around and fix the bad image they have now. No one can deny, 2013 was T-Mobile’s year.
Report: T-Mobile best, Sprint worst carrier in KC
http://m.bizjournals.com/kansascity...e-best-sprint-worst-carrier-in-kc.html?r=full
Seems like I read somewhere that as of Jan 1st 2014 T-Mobile opened up 75,000 new towers in North America, supporting 4g LTE. I had Verizon for years then went to AT&T for about 6 months and now on T-Mobile. Verizon did have the best coverage of 4g lte , at&t was OK but I always had to fight them about BS on my bill and overages. I had a GS4 on AT&T during the 4.2 to 4.3 update, I was rooted with unlocked boot loader I couldn't take the OTA but that didn't stop them from sending the 592mb update 17 times one month and 22 times another month. Forcing me to have overages. I had to call and fight my way out of them both times. And if I didn't know as much as I do about android and our systems I couldn't have convinced the customer service MANAGER that that was what it was. Then after having issues with the network cust. Service told me they couldn't support or help me with my issue until I took the update. They said "Our tech support is trained to handle issues with 4.3" so I asked "what happened to the crew that was trained on 4.2, did you fire all of them?",
Long story short I left and got ETF paid by T-Mobile and got unlimited data again. I average 40-45 mBs download speeds and have had the best customer service experience with tmo.
And I love being able to use thus much data :
thats ALOT of Porno viewing, bro..:cyclops:
Agree with everything you said; Verizon is great if you travel for a living, but I dont do that anymore, so I only care what works in Chicago land; ATT was fine after they updated their network here a couple of years ago, but, their cust svc/tech support was lame at best, and after a brief try with Sprint, and their "Alleged" great new network, we decided our last hope was T-Mobile, and we love everything about them, for us, in Chicago land..
Great Customer service when we need them, great low pricing, great service in our area, and all issues are taken care of immediately, without a question or argument...We couldnt be happier with our cellular choices right now, and hope it stays this way for a long time..
We are moving to the Dallas area in a year or 2, so I hope their coverage is as good down there as it is up here..
I even bricked my first rooted g flex and took it to the T-Mobile store and for $5 shipping charge they sent me a brand new one not refurbished but new. The first one was only 3 weeks old.
The CEO and Head of Marketing are determined to make T-Mobile a monopoly and out to show other carriers it can be done better, faster, cheaper, and unlimited. Any company, mobile carrier or not, that does not take cues or adapt this mentality of business and customer care is run by morons.
I will be moving to the US, specifically LA/Pasadena area, at the end of this month and would like to get some opinions on the different cell providers and the plans they offer. I will be bringing my Nexus 5 which I understand is compatible with all major US providers except Verizon. From the research I have done, my top choice is T-Mobile's prepaid $30 unlimited plan (unlimited text, unlimited data up to 5GB, and 100 minutes). I see Virgin Mobile offers a similar prepaid plan with 300 minutes but only 2.5GB data but I have read that T Mobile has better coverage.
And do I need to order a T Mobile prepaid SIM/Activation card online or can I get one at one of their locations??
red_skittles said:
I will be moving to the US, specifically LA/Pasadena area, at the end of this month and would like to get some opinions on the different cell providers and the plans they offer. I will be bringing my Nexus 5 which I understand is compatible with all major US providers except Verizon. From the research I have done, my top choice is T-Mobile's prepaid $30 unlimited plan (unlimited text, unlimited data up to 5GB, and 100 minutes). I see Virgin Mobile offers a similar prepaid plan with 300 minutes but only 2.5GB data but I have read that T Mobile has better coverage.
And do I need to order a T Mobile prepaid SIM/Activation card online or can I get one at one of their locations??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go into a T-Mobile store.
vanessaem said:
You can go into a T-Mobile store.
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Click to collapse
Thanks! Can you speak on T Mobile's service/coverage in general? One thing I have seen come up a lot is that their coverage can be rather spotty at times, especially indoors. I'm sure location plays a big part in this and its probably difficult to generalize. A lot of these comments I see are from a year or two ago from before or during their 4G LTE build out, though. Is this still the case? Do you find yourself with no/poor service in areas where there shouldn't be any problem getting a good signal. Other comments I have read say this is also device dependent, with manly the iPhone getting crappy reception on TMos network
red_skittles said:
Thanks! Can you speak on T Mobile's service/coverage in general? One thing I have seen come up a lot is that their coverage can be rather spotty at times, especially indoors. I'm sure location plays a big part in this and its probably difficult to generalize. A lot of these comments I see are from a year or two ago from before or during their 4G LTE build out, though. Is this still the case? Do you find yourself with no/poor service in areas where there shouldn't be any problem getting a good signal. Other comments I have read say this is also device dependent, with manly the iPhone getting crappy reception on TMos network
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Of course it depends on location, the T-Mobile network is great in New York City and I'm assuming in other large cities as well. However, I found that I lose data in more rural areas. Even though I can make phone calls, there's no internet. However, areas in my home where I previously could not get any service with my old cell phone company, I have it now. Again, I can only speak for my area. As for the company as a whole, so far, no problems in dealing with them.
T-Mobile has great service in the city but in more rural areas, like the person above was saying, can be spotty. Over here they are better than Verizon coverage wise.
Sent from my SGH-T989
I just wanted to put a feeler out there. Hopefully those who may have switched from Verizon might chime in and give me some helpful advice.
I've been with Verizon since the GS3 came out and I've had it with that company. They have excellent service, and I have signal just about anywhere I go, but there are a lot of things about them that bother me, and I'm ready to jump ship. This all started when I had a Note 4 in hand at the VZW store the other day, and after speaking to the ASSociate there, I'm ready to leave. I'm on the EDGE plan (kinda like JUMP), and was an early adopter to that, so I had the 50% pay off to get a new phone after 11 mo. First thing I don't like is the cost. With a 21% discount, I was paying $121/mo for the Note 3 with 5GB data, 450min, and 1000 text messages (I never used up the minutes or texts). I didn't think that was too outrageous since I was paying off that N3 every month, and I was OK with it because I'm a complete nerd and like to have a new phone every year. However, they now want you to pay off 75% of the phone over 18 months. What is that bs? If I'm paying 75% of an $800 phone, I might as well just sell it on eBay. Another issue is the bootloader, of course. Verizon locks down their phones hardcore. Even rooting them is a chore on VZW, and I'm tired of it. I'm not even a huge "power-user". I just like to have my Titanium Backup and freedom of controlling my system apps. T-Mobile obviously doesn't have any of these issues, but everyone I talk to says the service isn't that great, especially in rural areas. I take a lot of trips to remote locations, and fear that I will not have signal at any of them. For a person who always has their phone on them and is an extension of themselves, this could be a deal-breaker.
Any advice? I'm seriously considering it, and TMo is sending me an iPhone 5s to test this week, but I'm still afraid of the commitment.
I just traded in my Verizon Note 3 and switched to tmobile. I am loving it so far. I actually get better reception that Verizon here in my part of Pittsburgh. I recently upgraded to the unlimited 4g plan and decided I am going to ditch Comcast too. I will get a Chromecast and/or MHL cable to hook my note up to my tv and occasionally for youtube ans netflix, wifi Hotspot when I am using the computer.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
i made the switch from verizon to t-mobile on friday. i'm giving up verizon's unlimited data plan because they won't let me upgrade unless i pay full price or give up the unlimited. i chose to go with t-mobile's $80 unlimited everything plan w/ 5gb of hotspot. my situation is a little different than yours, though. i was already a t-mobile customer (back when they were voicestream until 2010), so i already know what i'm getting myself into in terms of quality (plus, my parents, brother, and sister-in-law are on t-mobile). i live in chicago also, so that makes a difference. i've never had an issue with t-mobile's service. the only reason i had originally switched the first time is because when the smartphone race began, t-mobile had some of the worst selections.
again, i live in chicago, so your results might vary, but i did a ookla speedtest on my brother's note 4 (on t-mobile) and my galaxy s4 (on verizon) and his numbers beat my numbers consistently (which genuinely surprised me).
Do the T-mobile test drive first available here http://explore.t-mobile.com/test-drive-free-trial?cmpid=WTR_PB_N62kxn2C&002=2202007&004=13691619257&005=47088372328&006=45480286217&007=Search&008=&025=c&026=&gclid=Cj0KEQjwt7KiBRD9lOePpe_BhrgBEiQAHaS_116jcCU3lPFxN-073akQkOmUEMwL_jAlA8fhsqPxLb4aAuDY8P8HAQ. They will send you a phone to try out for a week. I wanted to switch, but found out that they actually have no service at my home and half of the areas on my way to work, even though on their website it says there is full 2g service in all these places. Their coverage map is extremely misleading. Just read all the customer dissatisfaction with coverage via this link. http://support.t-mobile.com/community/coverage/content?filterID=contentstatus%5Bpublished%5D~objecttype~objecttype%5Bthread%5D
Cicatrize said:
I just wanted to put a feeler out there. Hopefully those who may have switched from Verizon might chime in and give me some helpful advice.
I've been with Verizon since the GS3 came out and I've had it with that company. They have excellent service, and I have signal just about anywhere I go, but there are a lot of things about them that bother me, and I'm ready to jump ship. This all started when I had a Note 4 in hand at the VZW store the other day, and after speaking to the ASSociate there, I'm ready to leave. I'm on the EDGE plan (kinda like JUMP), and was an early adopter to that, so I had the 50% pay off to get a new phone after 11 mo. First thing I don't like is the cost. With a 21% discount, I was paying $121/mo for the Note 3 with 5GB data, 450min, and 1000 text messages (I never used up the minutes or texts). I didn't think that was too outrageous since I was paying off that N3 every month, and I was OK with it because I'm a complete nerd and like to have a new phone every year. However, they now want you to pay off 75% of the phone over 18 months. What is that bs? If I'm paying 75% of an $800 phone, I might as well just sell it on eBay. Another issue is the bootloader, of course. Verizon locks down their phones hardcore. Even rooting them is a chore on VZW, and I'm tired of it. I'm not even a huge "power-user". I just like to have my Titanium Backup and freedom of controlling my system apps. T-Mobile obviously doesn't have any of these issues, but everyone I talk to says the service isn't that great, especially in rural areas. I take a lot of trips to remote locations, and fear that I will not have signal at any of them. For a person who always has their phone on them and is an extension of themselves, this could be a deal-breaker.
Any advice? I'm seriously considering it, and TMo is sending me an iPhone 5s to test this week, but I'm still afraid of the commitment.
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I made the switch yesterday . Screw Verizon I had the note 3 and was out of contract . So I just switched over got the note 4 and so far so good . I stay in Caldwell Idaho .
NWNJ said:
Do the T-mobile test drive first available here http://explore.t-mobile.com/test-drive-free-trial?cmpid=WTR_PB_N62kxn2C&002=2202007&004=13691619257&005=47088372328&006=45480286217&007=Search&008=&025=c&026=&gclid=Cj0KEQjwt7KiBRD9lOePpe_BhrgBEiQAHaS_116jcCU3lPFxN-073akQkOmUEMwL_jAlA8fhsqPxLb4aAuDY8P8HAQ. They will send you a phone to try out for a week. I wanted to switch, but found out that they actually have no service at my home and half of the areas on my way to work, even though on their website it says there is full 2g service in all these places. Their coverage map is extremely misleading. Just read all the customer dissatisfaction with coverage via this link. http://support.t-mobile.com/community/coverage/content?filterID=contentstatus%5Bpublished%5D~objecttype~objecttype%5Bthread%5D
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Click to collapse
I think my anger with Verizon caused me to leave that part out of my long post, lol. I did that, and they're sending me an iPhone 5s to test, which will be here on Tuesday. I'm excited to try it out, but the consensus around my office with T-Mobile customers is that it's not very good service. Time will tell, I guess.
How is T-Mobile's customer service? I was a T-Mo customer about 10 years ago and it was excellent back then.
JUST DO IT. VERIZON SUCKS. COMPLETELY OVER RATES THEM SELVES.
I've had better coverage data speeds and call quality in the last week with my note 4 then the last 8 years with Verizon. Not to mention Tmobiles not a bunch of ****ing blood suckers.
I switched from att to tmobile two weeks. I'm in northern new jersey and I'm not looking back. I originally got the note 3 but decided I wanted to make sure I had the latest phone so I got the note 4 before the return period was up. I ported over two lines and a tablet. I'm saving about $50 per month on tmobile. The service has been great so far. The speeds have been excellent and coverage at my job and house is five bars. The fact that their phones have unlocked bootloaders is of course a plus. I'd say if coverage is good then make the switch.
Taking Notes on my Note 4
Well these are interesting responses.
As far as my work goes, nothing seems to penetrate that building except AT&T, which would be nice, but they have the same issues that Verizon has. It's interesting, because I thought TMo piggy backed off of AT&T towers for roaming...
Depends on the service in your area. I live in NYC so I've notice hardly any difference in service and faster speeds with T-mobile. However if you travel a lot I would say Verizon is better because that map does not lie, you really do have service everywhere with them.
idelgado782 said:
I switched from att to tmobile two weeks. I'm in northern new jersey and I'm not looking back. I originally got the note 3 but decided I wanted to make sure I had the latest phone so I got the note 4 before the return period was up. I ported over two lines and a tablet. I'm saving about $50 per month on tmobile. The service has been great so far. The speeds have been excellent and coverage at my job and house is five bars. The fact that their phones have unlocked bootloaders is of course a plus. I'd say if coverage is good then make the switch.
Taking Notes on my Note 4
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Ditto. I switched from Verizon this past Thursday and not looking back. I love the freedom with bootloaders. I was with TMob 8 years ago and the service to be honest was horrible. But now TMob has greatly improved. I haven't dropped calls and data speeds are fast.
Cicatrize said:
Well these are interesting responses.
As far as my work goes, nothing seems to penetrate that building except AT&T, which would be nice, but they have the same issues that Verizon has. It's interesting, because I thought TMo piggy backed off of AT&T towers for roaming...
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Click to collapse
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
p()()pypants said:
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
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Click to collapse
That's interesting. I didn't know that. Did they give an eta when they expect to turn on those frequencies?
Taking Notes
p()()pypants said:
As far as penetrating buildings goes, earlier this year tmobile just bought the rights to new frequencies that have a lower wave length and will penetrate buildings considerably... they haven't made the activation on this frequency everywhere yet, but the Note 4 is one of the first phones(if not the first?) to have the ability to receive this frequency built in, so as soon as it goes live in your given area, you'll get the benefits! This is a hardware thing too, so it's not like they can just update other phones n they'll have it too, only new phones built to receive it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the 700MHz spectrum they're rolling out? Link here: https://sites.google.com/site/cellularbinder/t-mobile-700a-spectrum
If that's the case, I'm in Southwest Michigan, and it looks like they need to clear up some stuff before that happens in my area (if I'm reading that correctly)?
EDIT: Also, is not the 700MHz for LTE band 12 only? I would love to have LTE inside of work, but less necessary than just a regular GSM phone signal.
Verizon sucks...PERIOD
the ONLY reason to even consider them is if you need coverage in the most obscure areas of the US; if not, kick those scumbags to the curb..
If you have decent coverage in your area, then no one can beat T-mobile for coverage, price, customer service, and everything else.
Do the test drive, go to all the areas you are concerned about, and if you get coverage, then switch
wase4711 said:
Verizon sucks...PERIOD
the ONLY reason to even consider them is if you need coverage in the most obscure areas of the US; if not, kick those scumbags to the curb..
If you have decent coverage in your area, then no one can beat T-mobile for coverage, price, customer service, and everything else.
Do the test drive, go to all the areas you are concerned about, and if you get coverage, then switch
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Click to collapse
My fiancee and I are both geocachers and use an app to post our finds immediately, so we do actually need coverage in obscure areas. We often have trouble even with Verizon, but that trouble is 1-2 bars of 3G. I'm hoping that doesn't translate into zero signal with T-Mobile. You are right, though. The plan is to do the test drive and see how it goes. With an unlocked bootloader and an eventual SIM unlock, I could always switch to AT&T if it ends up not working out very well. I have none of those freedoms with Verizon.
yeah, as much as I dislike "the deathstar", I hate verizon more, so given the choice of 2 evils, ATT would be your way out..
but, here again, go nuts on the 7 day tmobile test drive and see how good/bad they are in your area..
I use AT&T go phone prepaid with my tmo gn4. $60mo unl talk and text and 3gb LTE. I can add additional lte at $10 per gb. Just have to pay full price for my devices. I LOVE my set up. I travel, so tmo isn't an option for me. Hope you find a set up. Also, vz just released their prepaid plan mostly the same at $65mo with LTE service, and they're getting the gn4 developer edition with bootloader unlocked. Again, just have to pay full price.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
I have both so I know. I'd go with TM any day. Don't think about it. Just do it. Depending on your usage, if you don't talk much, the $30 pre paid plan is unbeatable. 5gb of data.
Well I've had this iPhone for an hour now. Hate the phone, but one thing I've seen already is the LTE speed is DOUBLE what I get from Verizon. It gets around 40mbps down and 10mbps up in my house, which is ridiculous. I can't even get that on Verizon outside with full bars.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
I'm thinking about jumping from sprint been with them 10 years. But the service is just getting worst and worst. My question is to the folks that have jump ship how happy are you with the service is it a noticeable difference.
???????
Bad ass note 4
???? That doesn't answer anything. Did u switch from sprint is your data and voice alot better. If not no need to reply
You realize you never stated where you from state town so someone in your area can answer you. Right. We like to help but are not mind readers. Sprint sucks plain and simple. You need to ask people in your area what service is like.
BAD ASS NOTE 4
Didnt put where i lived because i was generally speaking no matter the area. But if it helps i am in northern virginia
Well I live in NY and have great service. Have a friend who lives in Vermont and has horrible service.
BAD ASS NOTE 4
I had been with Sprint for 11 years in South Florida. After being tired of dealing with slow data and not having LTE in many areas I did some research. Used Sensorly and OpenSignal. You can use the app or website and see who has stronger service or LTE coverage in your area. FOr me it was T-Mobile and the speeds I've been getting are 30 times better on average. It was a huge difference after switching. I suggest looking at coverage in your area using the sites I mentioned and find what's best for you.
i just switched back to tmobile from sprint and the difference is night and day. bay area, ca my data on sprint is around 7mbps and tmobile is around 70mbps. the voice quality on sprint was so bad and my calls were dropping almost every call. one of the other reasons i switched was the fact the note 4 on sprint can no longer do simultaneous voice and data currently (at least in my area).
FrankthaTank said:
I had been with Sprint for 11 years in South Florida. After being tired of dealing with slow data and not having LTE in many areas I did some research. Used Sensorly and OpenSignal. You can use the app or website and see who has stronger service or LTE coverage in your area. FOr me it was T-Mobile and the speeds I've been getting are 30 times better on average. It was a huge difference after switching. I suggest looking at coverage in your area using the sites I mentioned and find what's best for you.
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Click to collapse
Does tmo have simultaneous voice and data?
smooth703 said:
I'm thinking about jumping from sprint been with them 10 years. But the service is just getting worst and worst. My question is to the folks that have jump ship how happy are you with the service is it a noticeable difference.
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Click to collapse
I just jumped ship yesterday. You will NOT regret leaving sprint. Unless you like watching 5 min YouTube video in 15 minutes... lol
tt281gt said:
I just jumped ship yesterday. You will NOT regret leaving sprint. Unless you like watching 5 min YouTube video in 15 minutes... lol
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Lol mine just buffers currently
smooth703 said:
Lol mine just buffers currently
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Exactly! ! You will not regret it. Go to a Tmobile store. Download speed test app. Run on your phone and a Tmobile phone and tell me the difference lol
smooth703 said:
Does tmo have simultaneous voice and data?
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Click to collapse
Yes! The note 4 supports voice over lte meaning i talk and browse the web with great speeds. But tmobile is gsm so in general yes you have that ability, i switched from sprint three years ago...before they even had lte,tmobile was still 100x better than sprint...i live in west palm beach and we just got wideband lte...and its faster than my comcast speeds.
i left sprint in october. im in los angeles... do not regret going to tmo.
The wifi calling helps with service in the house. Calling in the basement without issues.
In my general area I get good 4G lte service. Though I don't use the data much outside of the house, 1GB plan is fine for me.
For my wife the free unlimited music streaming was a big draw. She tops 3GB per month with that but is on a 1GB plan with no worries.
Sprint was slow to roll out 4G (for the second time) in my area and still hadn't two years into my ltevo contract.
Overall tmobile has better 4G coverage. I pay more money per month though. I had a discount with sprint and the phones were subsidized so it was like $120 per month. tmobile is $140 per month for two phones (iphone6 and note4). If I'm going to pay more why not consider verizon?
Occasionally I go to some more remote areas and I'm waiting to see what the coverage is like there.
Because with sprint I had none. But people with verizon had service.
I was recently in one of those area (outside of gettysburg PA) and while I had bars there was no data service. I couldn't use navigation. I was bummed. But most people didn't have service either. This is why I have a backup gps unit.
I made the jump today sheesh you guys weren't lying speed is killing sprint
its not even just the speed; you will not drop calls any more, and if you want/need it, T Mobile will give you an Asus AC router for wifi calls in your house, for free!
Sprint sucks; I had them twice for a total of 11 years, and after the wimax debacle, I was hoping the "Spark" network would be their saving grace, but it wasnt.
10 months on t mobile, zero issues, great customer service, and never a dropped call..
wase4711 said:
its not even just the speed; you will not drop calls any more, and if you want/need it, T Mobile will give you an Asus AC router for wifi calls in your house, for free!
Sprint sucks; I had them twice for a total of 11 years, and after the wimax debacle, I was hoping the "Spark" network would be their saving grace, but it wasnt.
10 months on t mobile, zero issues, great customer service, and never a dropped call..
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Click to collapse
Oh you had to go back for punishment lol.
BAD ASS NOTE 4
I'm a slow learner...and, I wanted an HTC one Maxx, that only Sprint had at the time..
smooth703 said:
Does tmo have simultaneous voice and data?
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Click to collapse
Yes they do. I talk and download regularly with no drop in download speed.
I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point regarding the use of the data once you actually get better service, I'm certain that it will increase. So, you're right, I may have to go with unlimited. Yeah, the coverage map for sprint is much worse than TMobile's. In fact TMobile's 3G is faster than Sprints 4LTE.
Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.
I also just ditched Sprint, data speed is faster and more reliable for me.
puhiniho said:
I've moved from Sprint to T-Mobile about two months ago. I really wanted to stay with sprint but there mobile service sucked... As I see your experiencing the same thing. I've heard T-Mobile service can be spotty in places but in Seattle and Honolulu (where I'm usually at), it's really good.
The only impact negative impacts are the cost of the phone. You just plain have to pay the $500 - $900 uncontracted phone. I'm not use to that huge amount lingering over me.
And I could be the only one, be I found Sprint customer service significantly better than t-mobile.
Anyway, if you can muster the cost of the phone, I don't think you'll regret the way better data /phone service. I did the 5-day try the service out from t-mobile initially. You'll get an iPhone 5s and try it in your area. Good luck!
EDIT: did get the ETF reimbursement, and you can apply it towards your bill /phone, that's what I did. Lastly, don't expect you'll use the same data amount between Sprint and T-Mobile. The data service is much better and I found out my wife and I use about 2x to 3x. So go unlimited if you can.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mgbotoe said:
Tmobiel is going to have a server where you can stash your unused data if you are paying 30+ on your data (not counting unlimited) you can make use of that if you do not want unlimited as well.
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Click to collapse
Really? That is cool. I didn'tt know that.
heyjoojoo said:
I am seriously considering ditching sprint in my area. Their network (Sacramento) has been the worse I've ever used.
I've heard about TMobile taking care of your ETF if you switch to them by offering customers what amounts to a credit card that you can use.
Has anyone done this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the switch (in Mass.) after 10+ years with Sprint. Just got sick of their lousy LTE, and also wanted better international options. It's only been a few weeks, but I haven't been hit with the Sprint ETF yet. Anyone know how long it usually takes?
I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian
kg6bki said:
I left Sprint and did the ETF for the $350 from Tmobile. I was sick of hearing from Sprint..."We are in the process of working on our Towers today thats why your LTE is not there" and that was at 3am in the morning...ummm.ok..
Ever since I have left LTE has been lightning Fast...I even saw I was on AT&T this last week when I was in the Central Valley and not in T-mobile Coverage...I was able to make and Receive calls. The LTE on T-mobile as far as I'm concerned blows Sprint out of the water...I was tired of the False Promises and the 7+ years of service from Sprint to be treated like crap.
The Downfall as others have said T-mobile phones are not cheap but as I don't have a house phone I am connected all the time with my cell phone.
I have a friend in Carmichael...Not far from you and he Switched to T-mobile and has been very very happy...
OP...make the switch and you will be very happy..
I hope this helps you...
Brian
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Click to collapse
Lol, exact same story for me. I was tired of their "promises to upgrade", it never happened. I left Sprint and never looked back. We had to use our credit card to pay Sprints ETF because they wanted full payment when we ended. It took us about 1 1/2 month to get our rebate card, but this was when T-Mobile started this deal so it might be quicker now. I have the 3GB of LTE data and never go over it since most of the place I am at have WiFi. And now with there rollover data plan, I am set! I live in Los Angeles county but I have had great service and speed from San Diego to Santa Cruz.
Just an FYI, sprint will let you out of the contract if you roam too much.
Right before we switched away from Sprint, we drove across the country and roamed practically the entire trip. The next month we called up and they offered to cancel our contract if we sent the phones back. Done and done.
The only real problem with t-mobile reimbursement system is it can 1-2 months for them to reimburse you. They did 2 of my 3 lines in just over a month, and it took almost 2 more months for the 3rd cuz they kept denying it despite it being legitimate.