My Email to AT&T re:Atrix / Android

[ka3yan]

Dangit. I checked and US Cellular doesn't provide service (although they do have coverage) in my area. They would be a solid answer to what I'm looking for. I could make a clean break from AT&T and not feel like my only other option was Big Red. I had T-mo before and they just don't have great coverage here.

 

[john_v]

Dangit. I checked and US Cellular doesn't provide service (although they do have coverage) in my area. They would be a solid answer to what I'm looking for. I could make a clean break from AT&T and not feel like my only other option was Big Red. I had T-mo before and they just don't have great coverage here.

Yeah, I think they are a chicago area provider, although they do provide coverage nationwide.

Do some digging, see if there aren't some local providers in your area. Unless of course you feel you want or need the "latest and greatest" high end phone. For me, I came to a realization that carrier, network, and plan costs/perks are more important than whether or not I have the latest phone. In my opinion (so take it for what it's worth, it probably won't apply to most people here) the Mesmerize is a great phone, and it covers my requirements (flawless sync with GMail, cal, and contacts, as well as good browsing experience <think: what blackberry isn't >) . I'm very happy with my decision to make the switch and with the phone I chose.

 

[chrstdvd]

I was an AT&T customer for 11 days last April. I just had to have the iPhone so I got it while still keeping my family plan at Verizon. In round numbers it was going to cost me an extra $105 per month for the joy of the iPhone.

Everywhere I went except in a town my iPhone said, "no service". So, I took it back as it was as useless to me as an iPod Touch without WIFI.

I got a huge bill a few weeks later. I called them and explained that I had returned the phone within the thirty day grace period. They were nice and made my bill be $0, did not even charge for the bit of data I used during the 11 days that I had it.

So I can not say they have bad customer service. They just do not have good coverage, regardless of what their commercials say.

 

[textiaac]

I was an AT&T customer for 11 days last April. I just had to have the iPhone so I got it while still keeping my family plan at Verizon. In round numbers it was going to cost me an extra $105 per month for the joy of the iPhone.

Everywhere I went except in a town my iPhone said, "no service". So, I took it back as it was as useless to me as an iPod Touch without WIFI.

I got a huge bill a few weeks later. I called them and explained that I had returned the phone within the thirty day grace period. They were nice and made my bill be $0, did not even charge for the bit of data I used during the 11 days that I had it.

So I can not say they have bad customer service. They just do not have good coverage, regardless of what their commercials say.

Do you live in the boondocks or something?

 

[moosc]

I did same thing when iPhone3g came out I thought dam this is the phone I need. I had it for 72hours and returned it. There service in my area was way to slow. If u left the city u lost 3g and its still like that. VZW trump ATT in service coverage areas

I was an AT&T customer for 11 days last April. I just had to have the iPhone so I got it while still keeping my family plan at Verizon. In round numbers it was going to cost me an extra $105 per month for the joy of the iPhone.

Everywhere I went except in a town my iPhone said, "no service". So, I took it back as it was as useless to me as an iPod Touch without WIFI.

I got a huge bill a few weeks later. I called them and explained that I had returned the phone within the thirty day grace period. They were nice and made my bill be $0, did not even charge for the bit of data I used during the 11 days that I had it.

So I can not say they have bad customer service. They just do not have good coverage, regardless of what their commercials say.

 

[dtboos]

Coverage always depends on where you are. Coverage requires physical towers, and there is no way to have excellent reception everywhere; from any carrier.

Sometimes one has more coverage over the other(s) where you need it and thats all that matters.

The only thing I can't stand is them milking people as much as possible, and controlling what devices you have access to, and what you can do with them. Its like wanting Comcast cable internet, and only being able to choose from 3 laptops and 2 desktops that they have contracts for. The day needs to come (when LTE is completely done in US) when phones are sold separately and you choose where to take them. They are YOUR devices after all. They should compete on service alone, not 'if you want x phone, you have to be on x service.'

 

[Chris Kerrigan]

That's essentially how it's done in Europe. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's because in Europe it's illegal to lock down a phone to a specific carrier (all phones are sold unlocked). I wish it was the same here, because that would make buying a phone a lot more interesting. I already stay to one-year or off contract all together.

 

[EJL1980]

Do you live in the boondocks or something?

Agreed. In the year I've had AT&T, I've had better coverage than I had with VZW.

 

[E_man]

That's essentially how it's done in Europe. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's because in Europe it's illegal to lock down a phone to a specific carrier (all phones are sold unlocked). I wish it was the same here, because that would make buying a phone a lot more interesting. I already stay to one-year or off contract all together.

The problem is, many people are like me. I cannot afford to spend $600 on a phone when I would have the same contract pricing. Biggest reason I'd switch to T-Mobile, probably when my current contract runs dry.

 

[Chris Kerrigan]

The problem is, many people are like me. I cannot afford to spend $600 on a phone when I would have the same contract pricing. Biggest reason I'd switch to T-Mobile, probably when my current contract runs dry.

I can understand that, been there myself. It'd be amazing if you had a choice of both, but unfortunately, THAT will never happen.

 

[textiaac]

Agreed. In the year I've had AT&T, I've had better coverage than I had with VZW.

Same for me in SoCal

 

[ka3yan]

Well, I lived in SoCal for 15 years. If you drive from San Diego to Yuma, AZ, when you're in the mountains AT&T loses signal but VZW is strong. On Camp Pendleton, AT&T is the best. It's kind of a mixed bag.

 

[The Hustleman]

And that is why i am with Verizon....I have had them all AT&T, T-Moble, Sprint, and Nextel... Verizon is by far the best.... Good luck with AT&T...

I've had them all as well but I have to disagree, sprint is the best, easily.

I have yet to notice a difference between sprint and verizon aside the 45 dollars more per month verizon charges.

I have yet to see why those extremely high prices are charged.

T mobile prices you can run a network and charge less and give more, sprint as well, verizon didn't get the memo
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using tapatalk!

 

[rocketcuse]

I did end up making several comments on AT&T's Facebook discussion board. The good news is that I'm not alone. There were so many people saying exactly what we've voiced here on this forum. I'm curious if AT&T is going to reconsider pricing or if they'll be stubborn and arrogant and keep it like it is.

I know that nothing will come of the locked bootloader. Locking down phones is what Verizon used to be known for and now AT&T has decided to do.

I think they will be stubborn and arrogant just like Sprint was. Look what happened to Sprint. They lost customers, including me, by the thousands every day. At least Sprint learned their lesson. now with a new owner, new business model Sprint is a serious competitor. And ranked above AT&T in almost every study/category.

I never really had any issue, service or customer service when I was with Sprint for 5-6 years. But when Sprint was bleeding customers, i truely thought they would go out of business. Sometimes I wish I never left. I may go back once my contract expires. i am getting really frustrated with AT&T of late. was good for me while I had the iPhonem, but now with my captivate, i feel like i am being treated like trash.

 

[textiaac]

Location, Location, Location:

These networks very heavily on where you live
In my area in ranks like this:

ATT>Verizon>T-Mobile>Sprint

 

[ka3yan]

I have to agree with textiaac. Sprint is great where it is great, but it doesn't have coverage everywhere. A lot of the rural areas have no Sprint coverage at all. It would be great if all of them had coast to coast coverage with no holes, but it just isn't the case.

edit: BTW, I have yet to hear back from AT&T on the e-mail I sent to them. :-/

 

[blopez24]

I have to agree with textiaac. Sprint is great where it is great, but it doesn't have coverage everywhere. A lot of the rural areas have no Sprint coverage at all. It would be great if all of them had coast to coast coverage with no holes, but it just isn't the case.

edit: BTW, I have yet to hear back from AT&T on the e-mail I sent to them. :-/

I havent had a problem although i have suffered a drop call here and there maybe 1 out of 30 maybe not that bad. I mostly text and email so calls are not done mostly unless i have to and have had not great but good coverage on AT&T. Not surprised AT&T hasnt replied lol.

 

[ka3yan]

Well what do you know, I just got the reply by AT&T. Here's what they said:

Dear John Morris,

Thank you for contacting AT&T about your wireless service. My name is Lucien Zenon and I am more than happy to assist you today with your inquiry regarding tethering plans.

Unfortunately, we haven't received any communication on the requirements that will come along with using the Atrix as a modem. However, most of our phones do not require this "laptop dock" in order to tether. This can be done by using a USB cord that comes with the device. Once this device is released, we will have more information on it.

I hope this information has been helpful. We are here to assist you and appreciate having the opportunity to serve you. I encourage you to visit us at https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...olam%2FloginAction.olamexecute&token=ZpkRIUHu often to view your monthly account statements, make payments and shop for new products and services. If you have additional concerns or questions about this issue please reply to this email. If you need to contact us again regarding a new issue please send us another email via the contact link through your online account. You may also call us on your cell phone by dialing 611 or 800-331-0500. Thank you for choosing AT&T. We appreciate your business.

Lucien Zenon
eCare Customer Service Specialist
AT&T Business Solutions Customer Care
AT&T | Cell Phones, U-verse, Digital TV, DSL Internet, and Phone Service

Bottom line, she doesn't know anything at all about the Atrix.

 

[stunno]

Bottom line is 'she' is a he!

It's Lucien not Lucie

 

[jess.hickey]

And here is the response that I got about 2 minutes ago

Dear Jesse Hickey,

Thank you for contacting AT&T about your wireless service. My name is Zachary Mullins and I would be happy to assist you today in regard to your various concerns. I certainly understand your concern and will do my best to resolve it for you in a timely manner.

1. Unfortunately AT&T does not manager or develop the software on our phones. For issues relating to software we must unfortunately direct you to the manufacturer. Motorola can be reached at 1-800-331-6456. Is this true, does Moto puts the bloatware on their without ATT consent?

2. Unfortunately you are correct in that we charge extra if you wish to "tether" your phone and use it as a wireless modem for your laptop, etc. Regrettably we do not have plans to change this in the near future. Also please be aware that while you have our unlimited data plan now for a Smartphone device, if you switch to a tethering plan, these plans only include 2GB of data per month.

I encourage you to visit us at Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans - Wireless from AT&T often to view your monthly account statements, make payments and shop for new products and services. Should you have additional concerns or questions about this issue please reply to this e-mail. If you need to contact us again regarding a new issue, please send us another e-mail via the contact link through your online account.

I hope this information has been helpful. We are here to assist you and appreciate having the opportunity to serve you. We know you have a choice in the wireless industry and we thank you for choosing AT&T.

We at AT&T appreciate your business and value you as a customer.

Zachary Mullins
eCare Customer Service Specialist
AT&T Business Solutions Customer Care
AT&T | Cell Phones, U-verse, Digital TV, DSL Internet, and Phone Service

_______________________________________________________________

And here is the answer I got from Motorola earlier today (regarding the bloatware and tethering)

Kevin replied to ATTs Announcement Regarding the Motorola Atrix / Tethering, a question about Motorola.

The only recommendation I can make would be to call AT&T to get more information, I have not been provided with anything to share at the moment.

Kevin
MotoXprt

So, don't nobody know nothin'?

The one thing I did find interesting in the ATT response is regarding the tethering package. I suspected this early on and they confirmed it. If you currently have the unlimited plan (as I'm sure many of us do) you will be required to give up that plan in order to use the laptop dock. I thought this might be a way for them to phase out the unlimited plan even more. I mean think about it...I use on average 3-4 GB a month. If I go to the 2 GB plan with tethering they will get somewhere in the neighborhood of $55-65 out of me ($45 for plan + $10 each additional GB)

So it doesn't look like ATT is planning on budging on this. Now, the question for me is Atrix or Inspire. I really don't think I can walk away from the Atrix since I've been following it since it was the Olympus.