Best cell provider in Boston (university, live, store) - Massachusetts (MA) - City-Data Forum

Chef Giorgio · 07-07-2009, 12:24 PM

Just wanted some feedback about the best cell provider in Beantown. Currently have Verizon b/c it was awesome pretty much everywhere I lived in the US but it seems a bit spotty here.

Any feedback on Sprint (I know their cust svc is horrid but I'm more interested in call reception quality right now), T-Mobile, ATT (worst reception I had in all other states dunno here).

Thanks.

shiver · 07-07-2009, 01:24 PM

I've always had Sprint and have had no major problems. A few dead spots and dropped calls, but nothing worse than I notice with my friends and other carriers (although I've noticed it's a bit better with Verizon). It's usually when I drive by a hospital or a university. Think that some of their equipment interferes.

I thought that Verizon was the best for coverage? Isn't that the carrier that works in the tunnels and somewhat on the T? My friends who have Verizon generally have great things to say. If an area is spotty for Verizon, it maybe spotty for everyone,

Sprint's cust. service has gotten much better since they took so much flak over it. I've been a customer for 10 yrs now so maybe that's part of it, but I've had a couple of small issues this year and whenever I call, they have fallen all over themselves to accommodate

Several of my friends now have AT&T because of the IPhone and I've noticed that they drop calls and have more issues. It's not terrible, but seems more than anyone else. Not sure if it's a carrier or phone issue though.

Chef Giorgio · 07-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiver

I've always had Sprint and have had no major problems. A few dead spots and dropped calls, but nothing worse than I notice with my friends and other carriers (although I've noticed it's a bit better with Verizon). It's usually when I drive by a hospital or a university. Think that some of their equipment interferes.

I thought that Verizon was the best for coverage? Isn't that the carrier that works in the tunnels and somewhat on the T? My friends who have Verizon generally have great things to say. If an area is spotty for Verizon, it maybe spotty for everyone,

Sprint's cust. service has gotten much better since they took so much flak over it. I've been a customer for 10 yrs now so maybe that's part of it, but I've had a couple of small issues this year and whenever I call, they have fallen all over themselves to accommodate

Several of my friends now have AT&T because of the IPhone and I've noticed that they drop calls and have more issues. It's not terrible, but seems more than anyone else. Not sure if it's a carrier or phone issue though.

Thx for the feedback, ATT has the worst reception everywhere, I had it once in NJ and u have no idea how irritating was to watch those tv commercials about more bars, blah blah blah.
I'm considering Sprint (although I had the worst cs nightmare a few yrs back, b/ of their phones and push-to-talk. I have no complaints w/Verizon but Sprint's plans may be a better fit for me this time.

shiver · 07-07-2009, 01:54 PM

One thing I've noticed about Sprint is that they lag on having the newest and coolest phones. They rarely have the exclusive on the highly anticipated model so it's something to consider if that aspect matters to you. And whatever you do, do not get the Instinct (wannabe IPhone). The Sprint store person told me it was junk and one of my friends got it and returned it after a few weeks for a Blackberry.

ETA - particularly if you use your cell phone as your primary phone (personally, I have no landline), try to find a friend who has Sprint and have them over your place so you can try out their phone/service. Nothing worse than having a carrier that works everywhere except at home.

redpanda · 07-07-2009, 02:17 PM

I LOVED Verizon. I have AT & T now because that's all you can have with an iPhone (unless you pay premium for an "unlocked" one, of course) and I hate it. Coverage is crap compared with Verizon.

Sorry you're not having much luck with the big V!

Cliff Clavin · 07-07-2009, 03:12 PM

I've had T-Mobile for years and have never had a problem in the city.

readymade · 07-07-2009, 03:25 PM

My mom had Sprint for years a few years ago. This meant whenever we talked on the phone, it would have to be on a landline. I kept asking her why she stayed with Sprint and she kept saying she would switch. She finally did about a year ago... to AT&T, and she got rid of her landline.

tooldude · 07-07-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliff Clavin

I've had T-Mobile for years and have never had a problem in the city.

same here

maggiekate · 07-07-2009, 11:53 PM

depending on the deal VZ first, then T which now is AT&T most like VZ best, just do work out the deal! If you do go on line at times you get better deals
than the store, or calling customer service. You do have a grace period also to cancel.

LeavingMA · 07-08-2009, 06:49 AM

I've never had a problem with Verizon. With verizon I have service were others have spotty service with the other networks. I haven't been in an area in New England yet where someone has had another service and had better service than verizon. Plus if you travel or go outside of the Boston area Verizon will be vastly better than any other service.