Verizon or AT&T?

C

Christropher Brando

New member
My family has been with Verizon for a while now and are looking at switching to AT&T, but I'd like to research the difference between the two first. Does Verizon have better customer service and tower service?
 
My family & I have also been with VZW for awhile (about 7 years). I can't comment on AT&T because Verizon is all we know. I can say that we've been satisfied with their coverage and overall service here in NE Ohio. Just curious, why are you thinking about switching to AT&T?
 
Well my dad has been with Verizon for 13 years and I've had a phone for 7. I currently have the storm and am not satisfied! I love the iphone and would actually consider changing carriers just for the phone, but I would like to learn more about the carrier before I make the switch. It's a big decision!
BlackBerry9530/4.7.0.151 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105
 
i'd say stick with Verizon, its a very good company service wise.
Alot of people i know with AT&T are always having trouble with service, they would have to use my phone
 
"I love the iphone and would actually consider changing carriers just for the phone ..."

I can't comment on the iPhone either, because I have never used one. However, I have seen rumors that Verizon may have a shot at acquiring the iPhone if Apple chooses to change carriers through which to market the device. Interestingly, I have seen responses from VZW customers who have said that they wouldn't be interested in buying the iPhone even if Apple does switch over to them ... data plan is expensive and the phone is overrated because of all the hype. You probably know more about the iPhone than I do, but I would encourage you to do as much homework as you can before switching carriers just for a device that may not stay with AT&T, and that may have pretty good competition from some of the newer phones being offered by Verizon.
 
I use both VZW and AT&T and I will say this as an unwritten rule: never switch carriers just for a phone. If you have problems with service, customer care, or persistent billing errors, then I can see you considering switching; otherwise, don't let the lure of a new phone force you to switch. Why? You could switch and find that things aren't greener on the other side. If (and this is a big "if") you can guarantee that you will have the same or better experience with the other carrier, then switch. As to the iPhone, don't believe the hype. It's a great device, but a great device matched with crappy service is a bad mixture. I am currently waiting for my contract to expire (with AT&T) so that I can switch my entire family and friends to VZW. iPhone appeal has worn off for me and the service is just not cutting it. Your mileage may vary. You might have an excellent experience with AT&T and the iPhone. Just make sure you try out the service before you switch completely.
 
here on md's eastern shore the only good service you can get is vzw, ive found that true of many areas ive traveled in, from maine to lousiana. my vzw always had a good signal, other carriers were spotty.

now as to the iphone. it is overhyped. if you can send a pic message with your current phone, and do at times. you wont be able to with the iphone. not until later this year. att has issues with bandwidth, they towers are getting fuller. there also seems to be 3g connection issues with many phones due to this.

check out vzw touchphones. ive got an omnia and love it
 
Your first step should be asking your friends and neighbors about their provider and its coverage. If, for example, there are dead spots in areas that are important to you, you'll want to know that before you decide on a service.

You can also check each provider's coverage maps on their websites, though first-hand info from actual humans you know is preferable.

From that point, you can compare handets, prices etc. but if you can't make or receive calls, or experience dropouts or other anomalies, those factors will fade into insignificance.

Good luck and let us know how you make out!
 
Here's the specific facts and comparisons:

Verizon:

Pros:

  • Great coverage, covering 99% of the United States with ON NETWORK coverage.
  • Largest 3G network in America.
  • Superior Customer Service
  • Constantly striving to improve something.
Cons:

  • Pricing is too high, with some things.
  • Devices are sometime under what you may expect and it takes longer for them to release the neatest ones.
Insignificant but true:

  • International coverage is not the best, but it improving.
  • Pricing will continue to rise due to superior service/coverage.
  • Switching devices takes a bit more effort, but with new procedures, it's improving.

AT&T:

Pros:

  • Great worldwide coverage.
  • Stylish devices arrive quicker.
  • Bundling offers to save some money (i.e. with home phone, DirecTV or Dish Network, etc)
Cons:

  • Customer Service is below average, but has been improving.
  • National coverage still suffers slightly and their signal bars on the devices are nearly always inaccurate.
  • 3G coverage is almost the smallest in the industry (they're only larger than T-Mobile).
  • A bit too expensive.
Insignificant but true:

  • Rollover minutes are exclusive.

Verizon Wireless has ALWAYS ranked better than AT&T in almost every category by JD Power & Associates.

Also, NEVER choose a wireless carrier because you want device. Why get an iPhone 3G if you can never use the 3G part?

View the rating studies by JD Powers, click here. That link takes you to the ratings for MY AREA, the west coast. You can click here to be taken to the page to select YOUR region. The two links above are going to show you the OVERALL ratings.

Customer Service JD Power Ratings, click here.
Call Quality JD Power Ratings, click here. (my region)

OR you can click here to go to the JD Power Telecom page to choose your own stuff!

Also, this website: mountainwireless.com is my favorite since it is SO detailed.

Click here for a cool breakdown by them: Mountain Wireless-The Best of Everything Cellular

Here's more: Mountain Wireless Cellular Recommendations

Verizon Pros/Cons: Mountain Wireless-Verizon Pros & Cons

AT&T Pros/Cons: AT&T Pros & Cons
 
Back
Top