Which US carrier will do it right?

[fujifotoguy]

Straight Talk actually uses Verizon's network. TMO is at the bottom of the food chain, so I would definetely not recommend. If you are leaving Verizon, I would suggest second best which is ATT.

Actually, from everything I've read, they only used Verizon earlier with their Android phones they sold themselves. Now their self-sold Android devices are for Sprint's network. It's possible they may roam on Verizon, but I'd tend to doubt it.

I was personally a Sprint guy for the last 3.5 years, but even though they gave me an Airave to use at home so calls didn't always drop, I just couldn't justify the 70+/month (I still had a discount from a previous employer) I paid for totally worthless data when I was in town, where I actually needed it, away from my home wifi. Hence I made my move to Straight Talk to their BYOD off of ATT's network and got myself an unlocked Note. There's absolutely no comparison to Sprint's data... Most times when I do data tests when I'm on H+ (which is in/around pretty much every town I've been in so far) I get at LEAST 1meg down, usually a good 2-3, and I've seen as high as 7-ish, as well as 3 up... Anyways, that's just my experience so far. Some people complain about Straight Talk's hazy data policy, but I'm not any extreme user, so I don't really care - like everyone else says, Sprint's true unlimited may be nice, but it's worthless if you don't get jack for speed.

Anyways, in the context of the thread, I'd say just get an unlocked SIM version that way you have flexibility and no contract. Besides, the unlocked versions are as OEM as it gets, and, in the spirit of stock Android lovers, the way the phone was designed.

 

[LazrRocketArm]

I have Sprint and don't have any issues with coverage at all or speed for that matter. Sure it isn't the fastest but I generally average close to 1mb down which is more than sufficient for a phone for my needs. I also have AT&T and yes it is faster overall but there are many times my Sprint phone outperforms my AT&T phone especially in the afternoons. I think AT&T is oversold in my area and doesn't have sufficient bandwidth.

I also can not comprehend why everyone is clamoring to get 15mb down or greater on a PHONE! The only way I can see someone needing that speed is if they are tethering.

I guess it really does depend on your local networks. Glad Sprint is working out for you. No problem with my ATT coverage in Indy area, but people that live further out seem to prefer Verizon.

As far as the speed, I guess that depends on how one uses their phone. I use my phone almost exclusively. Rarely use a computer or tablet. LTE is REALLY nice when you do all of your browsing and email on the phone.
Sent from my Samsung SGH-i727 on ATT LTE

 

[blacksapphire08]

Well i've used all 4 carriers but i'm currently with T-Mobile due to excellent data speeds, coverage, and pricing. Verizon is an excellent choice but they are also the most expensive (the rest of my family still uses them). In my area T-Mobile's 4G is every bit as fast as Verizon's LTE but I like that HSPA+ doesnt drain my battery the way LTE does on my sister's RAZR.

AT&T has quick data speeds but not as fast as say Verizon's LTE. I was with Sprint for over 7 years and finally gave up due to reception getting worse, data speeds slowing to a crawl, and 4G is practically non-existent in most areas. On the upside, unlimited data and great pricing.

 

[Flip]

I left sprint to Verizon for the Gnex and I don't regret it but I have to admit though that sprint gets the better phones, I love my Gnex, my LTE, and my good coverage but IMO sprint will get the better gs3

 

[ac10906]

None of them will. I only purchase international unlocked GSM devices. All of the US versions are crap.

 

[Gerane]

I somewhat mentioned Sprint at the beginning when I said the Evo had issues. I forgot to expand on that, which was that Sprint was the issue. I love the Evo device, but I just cannot justify using Sprints network. I do admit I have had a great experiences with Sprints customer service, but the problem was that I had to go to their customer service so often. Back when I had a Palm Centro on Sprint I had no coverage about 95% of the day. I had absolutely no coverage at my house and at work. At home, I had to drive a half mile a way to make a call, and I lived in a very busy area with a mall less than a mile from my house. At work I had to drive a mile down the road to a gas station to get service. I've heard it is better now and they have added additional towers. Hell, my area had wimax before its official launch even, but i've also not heard good things since the iphone was added to Sprint and that it has really hurt the data speeds. Though, I have heard rumors Nashville is soon to have LTE for Sprint I am just not sure I could go back to them after my experiences. I will tip my hat to them though since they allowed me to break my contract with no ETF due to my issues.

As far as Tmo, I am having issues even finding someone who uses their service anymore. Everyone I knew who used Tmo has left them at one point or another to either get an iPhone or Android device not offered by Tmo. Also makes me worried that it could have been lack of good service that caused some to leave as well.

I need to just tie down a few people with Tmo and ATT and ride around with them for a while spamming speedtests and keeping an eye on reception lol.

As for Straight Talk, it worries me. I am still a little confused of its plans since it uses ATT and Verizon networks. I might have to check it out though. Are there any unlocked versions with the 2gb of ram that I keep hearing rumors about?

 

[moosc]

End of 2013 by then galaxy phone will b released.

i Am with Sprint and is happy with it.

Would i like faster 3g and lte? yes i would love it more.

It is coming. 99% of sprints network will have LTE and improved 3g by the end of 2013. With network vision.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

 

[ab304945]

End of 2013 by then galaxy phone will b released.



Sent from my GT-I9300 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

Ya. But will still be within the 2 year contract with those who get the gs3

Sent from my LS670 using Android Central Forums

 

[Lorak]

I dont understand why people pick t mobile att or verizon and bad talk sprint..sprint is the only network with a real unlimited plan.Its like you people are brainwashed. Seeing how sprint had the best version of the s2, i expect them to do the same with the s3.

Because in a lot of places sprint is crap. I used to be a sprint fan. And maybe I will check them out in a couple years. But here sprint is horrible and has been for a year.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Lorak]

Just wanted to add the reason I am choosing at&t is for the any mobile to any mobile.

My family calls a lot of cell phones. So on at&t I can go with a smaller family call plan to save money.

On verizon, with no mobile to any mobile, id have to buy a lot higher min plan which makes them cost a lot more.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ab304945]

Because in a lot of places sprint is crap. I used to be a sprint fan. And maybe I will check them out in a couple years. But here sprint is horrible and has been for a year.
Click to view quoted image


Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

Ya thats. Pretty bad. Luckily it good in my area

Sent from my LS670 using Android Central Forums

 

[20blks]

Because in a lot of places sprint is crap. I used to be a sprint fan. And maybe I will check them out in a couple years. But here sprint is horrible and has been for a year.
Click to view quoted image


Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

That's the worst speed test result I have ever seen. I guess that's why they're unlimited

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Android Central Forums

 

[obi5683]

If you want a Nexus, go with Sprint. They have Wallet and Voice integrated as intended. If you want any other device, and you want the phone to be exactly like the international version, go with T-Mobile. You can import it and have the exact version, or T-Mobile's version is usually un-f'ed with. Verizon has issues with updating due to overly exhaustive testing of firmware updates, and they are still buggy when they get released anyway, but has the best signal in my area and call quality is better on CDMA due to the technology. Yes, I use my phone to make phone calls, imagine that. Sprint 3G sucks worse than Verizon and 4G coverage is limited. AT&T drops calls, but is a decent second place option. I will always use Verizon until I no longer have unlimited data and until AT&T has more widespread LTE coverage.

 

[VickMackey#AC]

I have had Sprint for years and am more than satisfied. I'm paying less than $85/month for unlimted everything. I get great 4G covg where I live and where I work out. I use 20GB/month and have never been throttled. Is it as fast as Verizon? Of course not. But let me ask you Verizon users something. What's the point of having those super fast speeds if you're capped/throttled if you really take advantage of it? I've made the decision that a balance between speed and all you can eat data is good enough for me. The most data intensive thing I do on my device is watch youtube vids and Wimax handles that without any sort of buffering.

With that said, If Sprint can re work the S3 (first time i've ever been in favor of carrier customisations) and it has an unlocked bootloader, it may be worth considering.

 

[srkmagnus]

Sprint customer here and very happy with the service, speed and services provided to me over the years. I'm also with the poster above that it probably doesn't offer the fastest network (or in some cases, most reliable), but it does the job for me and what I need it for.

In terms of S3 variant, I think Sprint will get a close true to form device. The Epic Touch set the bar for Sprint and the Galaxy series on the network and anything less will be a flop. Had my Hero not taken a dump in December I would have probably held out for either the 4G LTE or S3.

 

[Gerane]

The sprint lte phones won't have Wimax was what I was under the impression of.

Sent from my DROIDX using Android Central Forums

 

[ab304945]

The sprint lte phones won't have Wimax was what I was under the impression of.

Sent from my DROIDX using Android Central Forums

Ya Sprint lte phone are not wimax compatable

Sent from my LS670 using Android Central Forums

 

[anon(394005)]

I have had Sprint for years and am more than satisfied. I'm paying less than $85/month for unlimted everything. I get great 4G covg where I live and where I work out. I use 20GB/month and have never been throttled. Is it as fast as Verizon? Of course not. But let me ask you Verizon users something. What's the point of having those super fast speeds if you're capped/throttled if you really take advantage of it? I've made the decision that a balance between speed and all you can eat data is good enough for me. The most data intensive thing I do on my device is watch youtube vids and Wimax handles that without any sort of buffering.

With that said, If Sprint can re work the S3 (first time i've ever been in favor of carrier customisations) and it has an unlocked bootloader, it may be worth considering.

I used to have Sprint years ago in Florida which was pretty good, but upon moving to Alabama, I had to switch as their network coverage around here is very poor. Landed on Verizon with grandfathered unlimited data and solid, fast LTE coverage, so no worries about capped or throttling (Verizon does not throttle LTE, see below). As far as unlimited talk or text, don't need those as 95% of those I ever talk to are on Verizon and covered under mobile to mobile minutes and I rarely text (loathe it). With my corporate discount my monthly bill is $60, without it: $75. Either way, the great service I receive is well worth the cost. So I'd have to be crazy to leave Verizon! But bottom line for me: what good is the latest super phone without a good network to use it on?

Network Optimization

Will I be affected by Network Optimization?

Only a small percent of customers will be affected. To be affected, you must be:

?A data customer on an unlimited data plan;
?Have a 3G Verizon Wireless device (if you have a 4G LTE device you will not be impacted); and
?Among the top 5% of data users in a given month.
Then, you will only be affected:

?When you are on the 3G network; and
?When you are connected to a congested cell site.

 

[geauxlsutigers]

Most likely tmo they seem the niecest can't see why folks go to sprint there inforstruture is in dire need of upgraded but that will b a few years if they survive. Att is slow not as bad sprint but they look to b pulling a vzw a requesting boot loader lock down. If your on dx u better upgrade like now because when go to lte device on tiered data you'll b sol. As long as your all ready lte there saying where safe for awhile.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2

Sprint knows that and that's why they're upgrading their entire network from the ground up. 3G Advanced, LTE and HD Voice, not counting Sprint's LTE deployment on iDEN's refarmed 800mhz spectrum and Clearwire's TDD-LTE Advanced-Ready network which will supplement Sprint in major markets. Their networks are being consolidated and over-engineered to support unlimited data and future growth. It's their Network Vision architecture and its happening now, all major markets will be upgraded by the end of this year with the remaining markets scheduled to be completed by the Fall of 2013. Sprint is spending more on their network that ALL big 3 wireless carriers combined.

This is, partially, the direct effect of adding 2 million iPhones is less than a year. Sprint is growing and will be just fine.

 

[Gerane]

I would still rather go att or Verizon for the next two years. By then maybe sprint will have something, but don't forget that Verizon and att will be expending during that time as well.

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