Best cell phone carrier? (Madison, Poynette: home, live, deal)

[MKR39]

Just wondering if any of you Madisonites have a preference in terms of cell phone carriers....any that get better reception than others? Or are they all about the same? Thanks!!

[7G9C4J2]

My kids both use Verizon. They don't complain about it much, except when they actually have to deal with a Verizon employee. The cell phone my spouse and I share is also on Verizon, although we seldom if ever actually use it. Haven't had problems that I know of, but then one call (or fewer) per month is not much to base a recommendation on.

A work colleague uses US Cellular because she lives in a small community about 25 miles outside of Madison, and US Cellular is the only provider that reaches her area. If you will be doing much traveling outside the city and will need cell phone reception, that could be a relevant point.

Sorry, don't have much more to offer than that. I despise cell phones with a passion and would prefer never to need/use one, so I don't have a lot of direct experience to share. Hopefully others with less of an aversion to them will chime in, too.

[Megan1967]

I feel U.S. Cellular has the best reception and consistent connections in the Madison area. I used to have Verizon (probably 13 years ago) and always had dropped calls. They also have very good customer service. I like the fact that calls after 7 are a free and there is no charge for incoming calls. Only bummer - no iphone.

[ranger17]

we had US Cellular for personal cell plans all the years we were up there, and they gave us better performance especially when we left the city (i even had a signal out in the boonies on family property in Marquette County lol). My wife switched to ATT when we moved here and she seems to have good service whenever we visit family back home. My Verizon workphone on the other hand, is just fine in most places in Madison. But say up in Poynette, zero signal even near the interstate. And not much out in rural areas.
So i'd recommend US Cellular if a true national plan/coverage isnt needed and the phone type is not a big deal. But if you want an Iphone, etc i'd say ATT over Verizon.


just my .02

[JoshB]

I've had US Cellular going on 7 years this August. My moms been with them for probably a decade now. No complaints here. My friend decided to try something different so he switched to Verizon, he said it's a big mistake and he's stuck with Verizon for now. He plans on coming back to US Cellular when his plan ends.

I've gotten consistent coverage everywhere in Wisconsin, including Marquette County like Ranger17 mentioned. You will be happy with US Cellular, I guarantee it.

[Ragnar]

US Cellular, hands down. I've personally had them for 13 years now and they've been great the whole time, especially when traveling in the areas outside of Madison. Plus their evenings start at 7PM with no additional charge, which is huge for me when calling my family on the East Coast. My plan, which is a grandfathered older one, also has free incoming calls and text messages.

If you're going to use your cell phone as your primary home phone, make sure you get good reception there with whatever provider you may choose. Most have an initial 30-day window when you can cancel your contract if you are not happy.

[Megan1967]

I used to have that plan. When I switched to a smart phone they said I had to switch plans. I don't text much so it is no biggie for me. I still have free incoming calls though. I think free incoming calls are standard feature with US Cellular.

[Megan1967]

Free Incoming Calls, Texts and Pics | Features & Services | U.S. Cellular

[sandman249]

I use T-mobile. Plans are cheap ($50 unlimited) and they have great phones without contracts. Data connection speed is great in the city.

[Ragnar]

Originally Posted by sandman249

I use T-mobile. Plans are cheap ($50 unlimited) and they have great phones without contracts. Data connection speed is great in the city.

If I were to switch from US Cellular, I'd check out T-Mobile before Verizon and AT&T.