Wow...my grandfather used to say that if you have to resort to name calling to get your point across, you must not have much of a point.
Let me enlighten you as to why I left ATT (I'm assuming you were calling me out, since I'm the only one in this thread who actually did; next time do it by name, I'm man enough to take it)
Scenario: We were approaching the end of our 2year contract with ATT. Both of our phones were starting to die, although mine was far worse. Was I excited about the Atrix? Absolutely, because it will be a great phone; however, what really stood out to me was the docks...it was something I could see myself using quite a bit. And in fact, if you look through some of the earlier threads in this atrix forum, you'll see I was quite the evangelist.
Now, knowing that our next round of smartphones would be bought with another 2year agreement, we decided to do some due diligence into which provider would be the best for US to go with. In the past, I admit I signed some 2year contracts that were based on a phone, or other fleeting ideals. I've matured quite a bit since then. In our research, US Cellular came up as a very viable alternative; in fact, a very attractive alternative. We had them about 6 years ago, but left because their attitude was, "We don't plan to offer any smartphones other than Blackberry." (Side note: no, a corporation won't notice one customer leaving, but they will notice hordes. The assistant manager we worked with at US Cell this past weekend has been with the company since they came into the chicago market, and said that attitude almost killed the company, because so many people left. They realized they needed to change and now are carrying higher end Android devices. No, not the lastest and greatest, but that's ok).
One attraction to US Cell was the fact that they offer coverage up in Wisconsin where my in-laws have some property; ATT, nothing up there...not even roaming. My wife goes up there 3-4 times a year with the kids and it will now be nice to be able to talk to her when they are up there.
So, back to ATT. I had the unlimited data grandfathered, and had no intention of giving it up willingly. Was very excited about the Atrix, until ATT made their announcement regarding availability and pricing. What killed the excitement for me was the tethering requirement, which in turn would necessitate the change in data plan. Would I used more than 4gig of data? Probably not, but I can't see spending $15 more per month, for less data. It's a matter of principle. To add to that, I couldn't wait until march 6.
I might have waited until the 13th and gotten the Inspire, even used that until the Atrix came out. (I had an upgrade available, my wife was just over a month away from hers) So when we went into the ATT store to look at our options and see what they could do, we were told in no uncertain terms that it would cost $200 extra for my wife to upgrade, which was more than what our ETF ended up being. I was very polite; I try to treat CS reps how I want to be treated, and explained that it would be cheaper for me to just walk away to US Cell. Her attitude was, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
That night we ended up with 2 Samsung Mesmerize's and a way better plan than we had with ATT (more core services for less $$ per month) for less than it would have cost to upgrade my wife's phone with ATT. Temper tantrum? HIssy fit? Don't think so. I voted with my wallet. I found a carrier that had a better deal. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision, but ATT definitely had a direct role in pushing us away.
Let me address a couple of points you made:
AT&T wont bat an eye if you leave becuase they made a business decision about ONE phone out of the 40+ they offer. they have 93 MILLION customers and SPRINT and TMO dont have that many combined and if you do the research SPRINT
I agree they made a business decision; in fact, I don't think anyone here disagrees with that point. However, look at it this way. If you have 2-3 gas stations in town, and 1 station makes a "business decision" to charge 15 cents more per gallon, customers are naturally going to avoid that station and fill up elsewhere. For me, 15 cents a gallon would translate to over $200 a year. Hissy fit? Temper tantrum? No, just sound personal financial decisions. I realize that illustration can break down because gas prices can fluctuate; others will stick with the more expensive station since that's where they've always gotten gas. Also, there's no 2year contracts involved with gas stations.
But the point remains, business decision or not, it will drive people away. Which leads me to the next point. I find it humorous that you say they won't bat an eye if customers leave, and then in the same breath you mention Sprint twice. Sprint used to have a very large customer base; but people left due a number of errors and mistakes on Sprint's part. There's a reason why Sprint has struggled in recent years. Am I saying the same thing is going to happen to ATT because of the Atrix dock/tethering plan fiasco? No, but add that to losing their exclusivity to their cash iCow, along with trying to nickle and dime people and the network issues (whether real or perceived), and they may just be heading down the same path as Sprint. Again, not saying they will, but it's always a possibility.
So pick your carrier first, then figure out which phone you want and deal with it. AT&T is the fairest company, just read my post link above about VZW throttling. Bottom line the ATRIX 4G will be the MOST powerful smartphone in the world and probably wont see anything beat it in 2011 so go ahead and act like you switching carriers or as i see it throwing a hissy fit like a little kid, is gonna hurt anybodies feelings, while the rest of us 93 million are happy with at&t and the atrix in all its abilities. You have the choice...
So a person is supposed to pick their carrier first, but if they don't pick the one that suits you, then that person is throwing a hissy fit?
I haven't slammed the Atrix...it's going to be a good phone. However, I don't need the "latest and greatest" to make me feel better about my purchasing decision; I don't need "the world's most powerful smartphone" to compensate for anything. I'm thrilled with my phone and what it does; I'm thrilled with my carrier, as apparently you are. That's fine; just remember what works for you won't work for everyone. I realize that; US Cellular isn't going to be an option for 90% of the people on this board. But because someone has that option and chooses to exercise that option doesn't give you the right to start calling names. If you need 93 million people to back you up and make you feel better about your purchasing decisions, more power to you.
Well, I've probably said enough. This thread has really gone all over the place
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram