T mobile Cell Coverage (Madison, Appleton: university, camping, live)

[calloo]

Hey all,

I'm moving to Madison this summer, but before I renew my contract with T-mobile, I'm hoping someone can tell me if T-mobile's service is any good in Madison and the surrounding areas. I'll be spending my time mostly on the isthmus / around the University/ and in the Vilas areas.

I had Verizon in Washington DC formerly. Coverage was so bad I had to switch to T-mobile, which has been just fine.

Also, I'm thinking of upgrading to a data plan, like the G1 with T-mobile or switching to the iPhone.

Any updated info / advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Bowie]

T-Mobile's coverage map shows only roaming coverage in most of the city. And if you live/travel to the west, coverage disappears completely.

When I lived in Madison, T-Mobile wasn't even marketed there. Looks like it's not a good choice for someone in Madison.

[jjacobeclark]

Originally Posted by Bowie

T-Mobile's coverage map shows only roaming coverage in most of the city. And if you live/travel to the west, coverage disappears completely.

When I lived in Madison, T-Mobile wasn't even marketed there. Looks like it's not a good choice for someone in Madison.

I disagree, T-Mobile should work just fine in Madison. I also have service from T-Mobile and I have used my phone all over the US in states like Wyoming and Iowa and never had a problem getting service. My mom lives up in Appleton and my phone works up there too, I've even taken it camping Up North. Remember, as long as you have a nationwide plan, T-Mobile doesn't charge for roaming. They're the only phone company I've ever seen that allows you to use other companies antennas at no charge.

[Megan1967]

I've never heard T-Mobile advertised in Madison, either.

I had really bad luck with Verizon here, too, and switched to US Cellular. I've been very happy with them.

[Dairylander]

The big three here are AT&T, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.
I've used AT&T for 6 years and like it fine.
I've never seen T-Mobile here either.
Doesn't the iPhone require an AT&T contract? Perhaps that will decide it for you.

[calloo]

Thanks for the replies.

Hmmm, if Tmobile isn't so good up in WI, now it's tempting to get an Iphone and go with AT+T.

Alternatively, I hear folks are "jail-breaking" the Iphone (legally as long as it's for personal use), and signing up with any company that offers a good data plan.

[jaimebslp]

I know I'm a little late chiming in, but I'm moving to Madison from Oregon in a little over a month and after being a TMobile customer for 5 years I just switched to Verizon. There is no TMobile coverage in the area, it's true you might be able to use the phone by roaming on other networks but you're better off switching in the long run. If you want to keep your same number I think you might have to make the switch before you move as it's generally only local numbers that can be "ported", that's what I had to do. Also, because you're moving you should be able to get out of paying the early termination fees.

[mommyntheoc]

Tmobile allows you to ROAM for free! So you'll use the BIG 3 towers without paying their jacked up priced. There are no extra charges with Tmobile and I never had any problems using Tmobile in the middle of BFE.

Verizon sucks, so does AT&T (formerly Cingular)...not just their customer service, but how they nickel and dime you to death. T-mobile never charged me a penny over what they promised, and they have been the best and largest international cell phone company for years (allowing you to roam internationally too as long as you sign up beforehand, which was free). I'd take T mobile over the others anyday, from personal experience with them all.

[mommyntheoc]

P.S. the coverage map referenced above shows FAIR coverage in the entire Madison region and EXCELLENT coverage at UW and at the capitol on the isthmus...check it again...light green is fair, not non-existent (that is gray)

[mommyntheoc]

FYI if you want to sign up for new t-mobile service though, you can't...unless you use another billing address than Madison...US Cellular looks to be a comparable choice that gives you FREE incoming calls, texts, & pix for $40/month