Looking for advice on Cell phone carrier.

*I also posted this on Tested but so far no answers*  
 

So I am about to get a Iphone 4S. Can anyone give me insight on some of the carriers?

Before we start this is what info I have

If I go with sprint I will get a 22% discount on any plan I pick

Supposedly ill get a 13% Discounts on Verizon

For AT&T however I am unable to figure out what I get (Ive been though maybe 20 people and none of them know) *However rumor are I will get 21% off the talk plan*

The sprint deal would be the cheapest but ive heard their 3g is kinda rubbish.

Ive had Verizon before but that would be a near 100 dollar a month bill.

I have NO experience with AT&T

Can some users give me feed back with the networks and what they have experienced?

*If it helps I live in Richmond VA*

Thanks for the help. 

I don't know for sure, but my wife told me that we could be saving a lot more money if we had AT&T rather than Verizon. Sorry to give you unsubstantiated gossip, but it seemed worth sharing.

Also, you should check out a game called Amazing Breaker, I really enjoy it.

I don't know for sure, but my wife told me that we could be saving a lot more money if we had AT&T rather than Verizon. Sorry to give you unsubstantiated gossip, but it seemed worth sharing.

Also, you should check out a game called Amazing Breaker, I really enjoy it.

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

Edit:@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's the reality of data. It's worth it having always available Wikipedia, Google maps, email, etc etc.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

Yup pretty much this. I'm real lucky because I get a bit of a discount since I'm piggybacking on my parents verizon account since my dad gets a discount through work. Even still I pay $ 70 a month for 2GB of data plus the line etc....

We've had Verizon for awhile now and haven't had any problems. Really enjoying the 4g coverage but that wouldn't apply to you.

You should look at a 4g phone. :p

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

AT&T is the devil...

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

People tell me sprint is super slow. If I go with them I wont even pay 80 bucks a month. Iphone 4s is not 4g (But infact in my area there IS 4g. And alot of it strangely)

It depends on the area, when I'm at home it's a second to return a internet search result on my phone, at work only a mile away the same search can take up to 45 seconds to return. Just depends where you are on the network.

edit: This is 4/5 bars home vs 1/2 bars work.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

People tell me sprint is super slow. If I go with them I wont even pay 80 bucks a month. Iphone 4s is not 4g (But infact in my area there IS 4g. And alot of it strangely)

It depends on the area, when I'm at home it's a second to return a internet search result on my phone, at work only a mile away the same search can take up to 45 seconds to return. Just depends where you are on the network.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

People tell me sprint is super slow. If I go with them I wont even pay 80 bucks a month. Iphone 4s is not 4g (But infact in my area there IS 4g. And alot of it strangely)

It depends on the area, when I'm at home it's a second to return a internet search result on my phone, at work only a mile away the same search can take up to 45 seconds to return. Just depends where you are on the network.

There is like only three towers in my area.

Shrug, it's the cheapest is all I can say. The cheapest and truly unlimited data if you get that plan, when I tether I can easily use 3-4 gbs of data in a month and Sprint has never said a word to me. I've heard if you abuse it: like a 100gbs in a month or something else equally crazy they will drop you, but who does that?

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

People tell me sprint is super slow. If I go with them I wont even pay 80 bucks a month. Iphone 4s is not 4g (But infact in my area there IS 4g. And alot of it strangely)

It depends on the area, when I'm at home it's a second to return a internet search result on my phone, at work only a mile away the same search can take up to 45 seconds to return. Just depends where you are on the network.

There is like only three towers in my area.

Shrug, it's the cheapest is all I can say. The cheapest and truly unlimited data if you get that plan, when I tether I can easily use 3-4 gbs of data in a month and Sprint has never said a word to me. I've heard if you abuse it: like a 100gbs in a month or something else equally crazy they will drop you, but who does that?

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ninjakiller said:

Sprint's 3g is ok, but has no 4g to speak of in my area. They're the cheapest option of any carrier and their data truly is unlimited so that's why they're still my carrier. To get a comparable plan on att or Verizon would cost me an easy 30 bucks a more a month. I tether my phone a couple times a month when i'm on the road to my laptop and Sprint says nothing about it. I know att has been cracking down on the practice and charging customers extra who tether.

People tell me sprint is super slow. If I go with them I wont even pay 80 bucks a month. Iphone 4s is not 4g (But infact in my area there IS 4g. And alot of it strangely)

It depends on the area, when I'm at home it's a second to return a internet search result on my phone, at work only a mile away the same search can take up to 45 seconds to return. Just depends where you are on the network.

There is like only three towers in my area.

Shrug, it's the cheapest is all I can say. The cheapest and truly unlimited data if you get that plan, when I tether I can easily use 3-4 gbs of data in a month and Sprint has never said a word to me. I've heard if you abuse it: like a 100gbs in a month or something else equally crazy they will drop you, but who does that?

Must down load ALLL the phone porn A friend has a droid phone and seems to have a decent speed on the internet. Im more worried about Siri. Doesnt it use the internet to pull info?

Yeah, it does the processing on servers located who knows where and spits the result back to you.

Edit: I guess some takes place locally and only goes to the web if it needs to.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's still kinda pricey. I used to get unlimited texts and data and 1200 minutes for £35 a month, and I didn't pay for my phone.

Data is usually only an extra £5 on top of plans.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's still kinda pricey. I used to get unlimited texts and data and 1200 minutes for £35 a month, and I didn't pay for my phone.

Data is usually only an extra £5 on top of plans.

AT&T is the devil...

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's still kinda pricey. I used to get unlimited texts and data and 1200 minutes for £35 a month, and I didn't pay for my phone.

Data is usually only an extra £5 on top of plans.

Key word is " used to" Now everyone has a phone and their networks need to be supported

What? What does that even mean? Everyone had a phone in November too if I remember correctly, how the fuck does that change anything? The only reason it is used to is 'cause I only pay £30 now.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's still kinda pricey. I used to get unlimited texts and data and 1200 minutes for £35 a month, and I didn't pay for my phone.

Data is usually only an extra £5 on top of plans.

Key word is " used to" Now everyone has a phone and their networks need to be supported

What? What does that even mean? Everyone had a phone in November too if I remember correctly, how the fuck does that change anything? The only reason it is used to is 'cause I only pay £30 now.

Update. Turns out AT&T offers a 21% Discount to me 
 
Id most likely get the  
 
450 min pack 39.99 
Unlimited test 20 
3 gigs data 30 
 
The Discount does not count text so about 70-80 bucks a month. 

Chances are you're looking for a cost effective option. In that case, choose Sprint. You'll pay less on your plan, and because the data is unlimited, you don't need to worry about going over your limit.

Chances are you're looking for a cost effective option. In that case, choose Sprint. You'll pay less on your plan, and because the data is unlimited, you don't need to worry about going over your limit.

Fuck AT&T is all I can say. I have had nothing but problems with them and I have lived in 3-4 different states with their service during my service in the military and every single one was terrible. I switched to Verizon recently and even though I am paying $20 more than I had been in AT&T for the same service, I wouldn't switch.

Fuck AT&T is all I can say. I have had nothing but problems with them and I have lived in 3-4 different states with their service during my service in the military and every single one was terrible. I switched to Verizon recently and even though I am paying $20 more than I had been in AT&T for the same service, I wouldn't switch.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@ccampb89 said:

Fuck AT&T is all I can say. I have had nothing but problems with them and I have lived in 3-4 different states with their service during my service in the military and every single one was terrible. I switched to Verizon recently and even though I am paying $20 more than I had been in AT&T for the same service, I wouldn't switch.

Like what kinda issues?

Just absolutely terrible customer service with them. I have had several problems with them not charging my credit card or giving me over-charges for data when I am unlimited. Instead of listening to me and solving the problem, they threatened to cancel me if I didn't pay them their balances. After refusing several times, to several different super-visors and techs, they erased it from my account when they figured out it was a computer error. Also, they recently dismantled a tower near where I live, for whatever reason, which makes several dead-zones and one of them is right on top of my house/neighborhood. So in order to even use my cell phone I would have had to walk outside and down the street.

After switching to Verizon I just found the call quality, serviceable areas, and overall customer service (I have called them 3-4 times already) to just be better. I can't vouch how the service would fit in your area but I hope that my experience helps people steer clear of their service or at least shine some light on their own problems with the service.

@The_Laughing_Man:

It should be a no-brainer to avoid Sprint and TMobile. Sprint's 3G sucks and they played their 4G hand wrong and are left to do catchup with some rather inadequate bandwidth. TMobile has no 4G, no plan for it, and no spectrum for it, so I'd avoid them entirely, since I'd be pretty sure that you want to begin a grandfathering relationship at your current prices. I don't think you'd be too enthused with buying a off-contract, unlocked 32GB iShit either, so they're really out of the picture.

AT&T is honestly pretty shitty, but nowhere nearly to the extent that the former two are. Their service's speed is extremely inconsistent, but they do have a faster 3.5G fallback network in places where LTE is missing in comparison to Verizon. I personally have AT&T, and my data speed fluctuates between .20mbps and 10mbps down, 2mbps up on HSPA+. Also, growing LTE network is a plus.

Verizon's service is extremely consistent, but very expensive. They also get better devices (though you are getting what is IMO the devil's spawn of a smartphone), so if you don't end up liking the iShit, you have options. Their 4G network infrastructure is going up and going well, so that's another disadvantage of your choice of device, since their 3G fallback network, while very consistent and very reliable, is 3.1mbps CDMA2000 IIRC.

Also, how is your discount system working? Usually, those are affiliated with corporate accounts, and if that's the case, who cares if you're charging your employer up the wazoo for it? I wouldn't say that VZW is worth the premium over the 21% AT&T deal that you'd be getting, but it's your call. If you need business data reliability, Verizon's probably best. AT&T will at least work, even if it's a tad unreliable speedwise. Check the AT&T deal too; my discount plan DOES cover texting, so I don't really know why yours doesn't.

TL;DR: If your company is footing the bill, go Verizon. If you're doing so personally, go AT&T.

@The_Laughing_Man:

It should be a no-brainer to avoid Sprint and TMobile. Sprint's 3G sucks and they played their 4G hand wrong and are left to do catchup with some rather inadequate bandwidth. TMobile has no 4G, no plan for it, and no spectrum for it, so I'd avoid them entirely, since I'd be pretty sure that you want to begin a grandfathering relationship at your current prices. I don't think you'd be too enthused with buying a off-contract, unlocked 32GB iShit either, so they're really out of the picture.

AT&T is honestly pretty shitty, but nowhere nearly to the extent that the former two are. Their service's speed is extremely inconsistent, but they do have a faster 3.5G fallback network in places where LTE is missing in comparison to Verizon. I personally have AT&T, and my data speed fluctuates between .20mbps and 10mbps down, 2mbps up on HSPA+. Also, growing LTE network is a plus.

Verizon's service is extremely consistent, but very expensive. They also get better devices (though you are getting what is IMO the devil's spawn of a smartphone), so if you don't end up liking the iShit, you have options. Their 4G network infrastructure is going up and going well, so that's another disadvantage of your choice of device, since their 3G fallback network, while very consistent and very reliable, is 3.1mbps CDMA2000 IIRC.

Also, how is your discount system working? Usually, those are affiliated with corporate accounts, and if that's the case, who cares if you're charging your employer up the wazoo for it? I wouldn't say that VZW is worth the premium over the 21% AT&T deal that you'd be getting, but it's your call. If you need business data reliability, Verizon's probably best. AT&T will at least work, even if it's a tad unreliable speedwise. Check the AT&T deal too; my discount plan DOES cover texting, so I don't really know why yours doesn't.

TL;DR: If your company is footing the bill, go Verizon. If you're doing so personally, go AT&T.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@AlexW00d said:

100 bucks a month? For a fucking mobile phone? Dude don't even bother.

Thats the cost for data and talk now adays. Verizon charges near 60 bucks for 450 mins * plus unlimited text)

That's still kinda pricey. I used to get unlimited texts and data and 1200 minutes for £35 a month, and I didn't pay for my phone.

Data is usually only an extra £5 on top of plans.

Key word is " used to" Now everyone has a phone and their networks need to be supported

What? What does that even mean? Everyone had a phone in November too if I remember correctly, how the fuck does that change anything? The only reason it is used to is 'cause I only pay £30 now.

Data useage has sky rocketed. Thats why.

No. You're comparing Europe and USA, phone plans in the USA are hella costly. If you're from Europe don't chime in, the US doesn't believe in pesky regulation that means lower prices for consumers. The only regulation that exists now is to protect monopolies from competition.

@ninjakiller: Not even sure what you're talking about, and I doubt you know either.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

At work my friend who has AT&T has nice speeds. *Along with another co worker who does not have the Iphone.

Their speeds are decent, by all means. I just can't say that they're consistent. Again, my speed fluctuates wildly between .2mbps and 10mbps. 10mbps for a 3G connection is pretty damn fast, and is a hell of a lot faster than you'll see on any of the other networks' 3G connections, MAYBE bar TMobile in a 42mbps HSPA+ area.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

At work my friend who has AT&T has nice speeds. *Along with another co worker who does not have the Iphone.

Their speeds are decent, by all means. I just can't say that they're consistent. Again, my speed fluctuates wildly between .2mbps and 10mbps. 10mbps for a 3G connection is pretty damn fast, and is a hell of a lot faster than you'll see on any of the other networks' 3G connections, MAYBE bar TMobile in a 42mbps HSPA+ area.

@AlexW00d: Why are you being such an asshole?

@AlexW00d: Why are you being such an asshole?

@The_Laughing_Man: Sword & Poker, World of Goo

@The_Laughing_Man said:

Now..to the important part GAMES GAMES GAMES. What should I pick up?

I must be one of the few who just outright doesn't use their smartphone for games. My iPod touch literally has no apps on it, and my Android phone has old Nintendo emulators, Minecraft, Mahjong, Hearts and a few Solitaire variations on it. That's more than enough for me.

Word on the street said that the two Infinity Blades are not to be missed. What's also not to be missed is Dolphin Browser HD, which is my most-used app by a longshot.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

Now..to the important part GAMES GAMES GAMES. What should I pick up?

I must be one of the few who just outright doesn't use their smartphone for games. My iPod touch literally has no apps on it, and my Android phone has old Nintendo emulators, Minecraft, Mahjong, Hearts and a few Solitaire variations on it. That's more than enough for me.

Word on the street said that the two Infinity Blades are not to be missed. What's also not to be missed is Dolphin Browser HD, which is my most-used app by a longshot.

@The_Laughing_Man said:

@Aus_azn said:

@The_Laughing_Man said:

Now..to the important part GAMES GAMES GAMES. What should I pick up?

I must be one of the few who just outright doesn't use their smartphone for games. My iPod touch literally has no apps on it, and my Android phone has old Nintendo emulators, Minecraft, Mahjong, Hearts and a few Solitaire variations on it. That's more than enough for me.

Word on the street said that the two Infinity Blades are not to be missed. What's also not to be missed is Dolphin Browser HD, which is my most-used app by a longshot.

Anything else?

As far as I'm concerned, apps are all legitimately missable.

Heh, I might go for a Windows Phone next time, since I honestly don't seem to need that many apps to do whatever I need/want both game and productivity-wise.

@The_Laughing_Man I have had AT&T; for almost 8 years and have had no problems. Maybe I'm in the minority but it works perfect for me with my 4S. There is about a quarter mile area on the outskirts of my town where there is no 3G but other than that it's great. I am also grandfathered in with my talk time plan so it's also an added incentive to stick with them. As for games here are some my favorite games for IOS. 1. Chu Chu Rocket. I loved the Dreamcast game and this works surprisingly well on IPhone . You can play multiplayer over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Even with a somewhat small screen on the iPhone the game still plays great and the touch control works well. Game Dev Story. This game is pure a management sim but doing so in a game dev studio is surprisingly engaging. Quarrel. While the AI is a bit wonky, combining risk with boggle or scrabble is a really fun and interesting way to play a word game. A few other good ones are Bike Barron, Jetpack Joyride(free), and Cut The Rope

Lost me at Iphone

I now need ap suggestions. Im gonna go with AT&T. I know I will get Infinity blade. But anything else I MUST HAVE? Are there any the measure how much data I use? 
 
Also gonna get Word lens. Seems real cool 

get a flip phone and 40 dollars a month from some local regional carrier. Maybe get an ipod touch if you're really into the apps. At least that's what I would do. You have to ask yourself, is knowing a random fact during the limited period of time before you can get home/to a computer with internet worth an additional 60 dollars a month to you? I still think people who pay for mobile data are insane personally.