Let’s Compare Wireless Carriers                                      

We’ve listed the five carriers in order or relative overall performance below, because we feel a carriers performance is most customers primary consideration when first considering a carrier.  However, if you tend to travel a lot internationally or through backwash rural areas of the United States, the type of network that your carrier uses and the way you use your phone maybe worth examining as well.  After the list below you will find our suggestions if you’ve decided to change your carrier and you want some advice on how to go about this complicated process.

VERIZON WIRELESS

How good - consistently a top performer in customers surveys by independent sources like Consumer Reports and in our own independent surveys.  Always among the better national carriers in responsiveness to customer questions, inquiries and complaints.  Networks – CDMA and analog.  Verizon offers analog access on only a few of its new phones, which could mean less coverage in some rural areas of the country.

ALLTELL

How good – Alltel has been a consistent top performer in all three metro areas where they have sufficient data to rate it, but only three of course.  Notably good for both connectivity and customer service in all areas, including helpfulness in responding to questions, inquiries or complaints.  Networks – CDMA or analog.

T-MOBILE

 How good - A solid consistent performer in all the metro areas where there is sufficient data to rate their service, but marred by lack of service in some places.  Also ranked among the better providers in responsiveness to customers questions, inquiries and complaints.  Networks - GSM only.  Most of its phones can be used outside the United States because of this fact though. 

CINGULAR

 How good - Middle to low levels of consumer satisfaction with sound and voice quality.  Static and busy circuits were common problems, as they have been in previous surveys conducted.  Relatively low performance for helpfulness in handling customer questions, inquiries and complaints.  Networks – Primarily GSM, some TDMA and analog.  Most GSM phones can also be used in many parts of the world. 

SPRINT

 How good – One of the poorest performers in terms of overall performance and customer satisfaction.  Had more dropped calls than other carriers in all situations?  Sprint merged with Nextel in 2005, and out results do not include former Nextel customers or those who receive Nextel service from Sprint, because their phones operate on a different network than Sprint customers.  Networks - Sprint uses CDMA but can roam using analog.    If you’re ready to switch to a different cell service provider, here’s how to find a carrier more likely to meet your personal standards:

If you live in a major metropolitan area focus your search on the carriers at the top of the list, in most of these population centres there are up to three carriers to choose from when making your choice.  To choose from the top carriers in your area, check the online coverage maps for each carrier at their Web sites, paying special attention to where you live, work and plan on traveling.  These on line maps can vary in detail and accuracy, so you should go one step further and ask people you know who travel, work and live on the same streets as you which carrier they use and if they get consistently good service.

   Depending on how often you use your cell phone while in rural areas or outside the continental United States, you’ll want to pay close attention to which network the carrier operates on.  The major digital networks are CDMA (code division multiple access) and GSM (global system for mobile).  The advantage of CDMA is that many CDMA phones incorporate analog backup for roaming in areas where a digital signal is unavailable.  Many GSM phones, however, provide coverage in other countries, a plus for those of us planning to spend a lot of time away from home.

  Once you choose a carrier, be sure to take advantage of the trial period most carrier offer.  If you find that the service is poor of nonexistent in places where you need it most, cancel that contract and try another of the highly rated carriers on the list.

  If you’ve settled on a carrier, you can go directly to its Web site and compare the plans it offers.  As we’ve noted in the past, however, you might have to poke around a little to find the cheapest plan the carrier offers, or else call the carrier directly and ask.  Comparing plans of different carriers is relatively simple at Web sites like Letstalk.com (click on Service Plans, then compare).

  If the amount of shekels you spend is your primary concern, the best way to compare is on a per-minute basis.  For example, when we recently checked rates for Tampa, Florida, Sprint and Verizon were both offering 450-minute plans for $39.99 a month, or about 9 cents a minute.  T-Mobile offered 600 minutes for the same $39.99, or about 7 cents a minute. 

  If you only use your cell phone for roadside emergencies or make very few calls, consider a prepaid or “pay as you go” plan.  When comparing prepaid plans, pay special attention to what the carrier charges per minute, how soon minutes expire, and whether your minutes can be roller over.  Although we haven’t rated prepaid carriers, some of the major providers are T-Mobile, TracFone, Verizon, and Virgin.  You can buy prepaid phones and refill minutes at electronics and office supply stores, as well as online and in Canada online or at specified stores.

   Saying goodbye to your old carrier will be very easy if your contract has expired.  Just ask your new carrier to switch your existing (and, by law, portable) cell number to your new cell phone.  If however, you still have months or years to go on your contract with your current carrier, the switch is a little trickier, especially since you could be facing a whopping early termination fee.  If you’re desperately unhappy with your plan and carrier, you may want to just pay the fee and get them out of your life forever.  As much as we hate to admit it, paying a penalty of $150 to get out of a deal may be no worse then paying $50 month after month for service you’re not getting or drives you insane.  Well that’s it for this hub, join me next time as we will talk about the new fee-based features cell phone makers are adding to your friend and some things to pay attention to.  Happy talking!