Cell phone plans...

[Gomer]

I will be making a lifestyle change here in the near future. Part of this change includes broadband internet access and a cell phone.

I don't have extensive use for a cell phone, not more than the average person I guess. But if I did get one I would probably drop my landline. Still debating that, but if I am at work 40hrs a week and out and about on the weekend, what's the point?

As for plans. One I am looking at right now is through Nextel. It is a nationwide plan... free incoming calls, 300 anytime, unlimited night and weekend, unlimited direct connect (through other Nextel users), and free long distance for $60 a month. This also inlcudes a free Motorola i30sx phone (lithium ion, 5.4 oz) and a $40 credit on first bill (takes care of $35 activation fee).

The main reason I chose a nationwide plan was not because I travel extensively. My hometown is on the stateline (IN/MI) and I will be living in Lansing. Most coverage areas include my hometown in the Indianapolis area. So the moment I get home I would be hit with roaming charges. I am home quite a bit (friends, family etc). Nationwide seems very convienent too!

Another carrier I was considering was Sprint PCS. Their coverage includes my hometown but I haven't found any great packages yet (haven't really looked either). I kinda like the direct connect (simplex radio operation between other nextel suscribers) Nextel offers as well.

So thoughts on this matter? Thoughts on carriers in general??? (who is good, who is bad etc) Success/horror stories etc.

Enlighten me!

[jman01pa]

I use my Cell as my primary phone. It is great and if you consider long distance bills, I save alot of money.

In my area, Cingular seems to be the best followed by At&T. I do not reccommend Sprint. There coverage is minimal. If you travel between cities you will have a lot of dead areas...

I am using AT&T because they have the rate plan I like but Cingular has better coverage.


Good Luck..

Are you enlightened?

[Gomer]

I was wrong about Sprint... their coverage does not include my hometown. They divide MI into two halves. As for Cingular... They don't even offer coverage in SW MI or NW Indiana.

So yes, I am enlightened... but only slightly =)

[samwichse]

Hey Gomer, off topic, but check your PMs please .

Sam

[Epidemic]

Just for giggles I would look at all the service providers sometimes they have different geographic area's.

My company crosses into North Carolina with no charge. While you have to go to another provider for the other companies.

I would avoid the roaming plans until you exhaust all options.

Secondly I would have your friends come over to your pad and stomping grounds and try their phone. Network boarder area's are tricky area's due to FCC rules. Basically a house on the boarder of two markets may have to deal with different frequencies. The discontinuing market is not allowed to cross the boarder but so much. So trying other phones may limit your problems with contracts because you will identify the coverage in areas that you frequent.

[Skywalker[TSG]]

Originally posted by Gomer
free incoming calls

Ehm incomming calls are always free ?
dont tell me that they charge people for that in the US

[Gomer]

Sam: 10-4

Skywalker: They do charge for it typically here in the US. A minute is a minute regardless of who initiated the call.

Epidemic: I have checked most of the major ones. They either split MI into two halves (east and west) or the coverage for the IN area goes up into SW MI. The reason that is is my hometown, Niles MI, is basically a suburb of South Bend. When I am home I am in South Bend/Mishawaka quite a bit. I will prolly call Nextel in South Bend and find out what area Niles falls into.

[Skywalker[TSG]]

Thats sick ! !

i pay 7cents a minute for OUTGOING calls only
incomming calls are free !

[Gomer]

well further investigation reveals sprint isn't half bad. 350/3650 for $40 a month with free LD and no roaming. Probably the route I will go.