Those with a different cell carrier than AT&T - how's the reception? (Welcome: houses, neighborhood)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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So my cell phone is on its last legs and while I've been generally happy with AT&T (they're the only carrier I've ever had) I'm thinking that it might be time to switch companies since I'll be looking for a new phone anyway.
One of my hesitations is that the network and coverage areas for other carriers might not be the same in the Triangle-ish area than AT&T.
Anyone really happy with their coverage area on another carrier?
I have verizon, which is generally known for having great reception in the area - except my house. I live in a cookie-cutter neighborhood (houses close to each other), and everyone around me gets 4-5 bars. I consider myself lucky when I get 2! That said, verizon might be a good option
If reliable service is essential for you, or, if you travel away from your home base frequently, AT&T or Verizon are the only providers (no matter what anyone else is about to claim). I travel extensively and have been a very happy (though poorer) Verizon customer for nearly fifteen years.
However if you travel to/from the same places most days and are looking to save money, the alternative providers are worth checking out. That way, if they work where you spend most of your time you're ahead of the game. If not, you can try the next one on your list.
Take a look at the coverage map for Verizon. Really great coverage for most areas of the US. I've never had a call drop on the way to the beach or in rural areas of NC with Verizon, but other carriers might have problems.
I have always used US resellers and only buy unlocked GSM phones. With an unlocked GSM phone, you can add anyone's sim card whether US based or not. Right now I am using Ting which is a T-mobile reseller. T-Mobile is OK for me but not as good as Verizon. Ting is great and I only get billed for what I use.
Verizon wireless has to notch reception, but you'll pay dearly for it.
Total Wireless uses Verizon towers and for two phones with unlimited talk/text and 8gb data it's $62/month or $31/line. Very affordable. I travel extensively for my job and it has worked everywhere I have been using Verizon prepaid MVNOs from Podunk upstate NY, to middle of nowhere SC, to large west coast cities.
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