Cell service recommendations/deals? T Mobile sucks!

[freeplessinseattle]

I'm always seeing ads on tv or in the newspaper, but don't know what deals are current now when I'm annoyed with T Mobile's crappy service. I don't need a lot of minutes, maybe 500 or so/mo. What's most important is good reception, everyone has said I had bad reception and I'm not sure if it's bc I dropped the phone so many times or if T Mobile just really sucks.

*I want to get a new phone tomorrow, so any on-line deals won't work for me. Is it possible to keep the same number when switching companies? If so, is it still possible even if I chewed out a customer service rep before terminating my service?

[GOPisEvil]

1. Consumer Reports says Verizon rates highest.

[MercutioATC]

6. Verizon is involved in a class action lawsuit

for disabling functions on phones that manufacturers had built in (so they can charge you extra to activate them)

[MercutioATC]

7. It depends on coverage, but I LOVE Alltel (northeastern Ohio)

I've traveled with the service, too, and seem to get good coverage pretty much everywhere.

[KitchenWitch]

2. You can keep the same number if you switch carriers

I have had really good luck with Cingular/AT&T. The only place I cannot get a line is in Rio Wisconsin - have to drive 15 miles to Portage to get any reception.

[Floogeldy]

3. T-Mobile reception in Oklahoma is fantastic.

I've never lost a connection once, in six months.

:shrug:

[freeplessinseattle]

10. well, the cell towers there probably aren't strong enough

to reach Seattle. I think the large population of Seattle could affect the service, they keep having to add cell towers all over the place.

[Floogeldy]

12. The problem with T-Mobile is . . .

. . . the service is only good in heavily populated areas or along major highways.

[Clintmax]

14. Same thing with Sprint.

Just look at their map. The dark green area is the "PCS" area. Major cities and highways only.

[Floogeldy]

18. Exactly. In fact, I mis-spoke.

T-Mobile has NO coverage outside of populated areas, except for along major highways.

But, what the hell, people in the sticks don't need cell phones anyway, correct? ;)

[freeplessinseattle]

16. I live directly across from I-5 in the heart of Seattle, must be

the phone itself then. I have had a few people tell me that they left vm's that I never received, one other reason I was thinking of switching. Then I got annoyed with the customer service rep and decided the heck with it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Sprint claims

they have the best nationwide coverage. And other than in the Black Hills in SD, my Sprint phone has always had good reception. Hubby used to have T-Mobile. We learned to not even bother to use it when we traveled.

edit to add Sprint map. Green areas are in Sprint network.

[Clintmax]

5. I have had Cingular for several years...

and never had any problems with their service except inside my apartment. Then again, every resident in this complex has to go outside to use their cells...there HAS to be something in the way these buildings were constructed that completely blocks cell signals. I always have full bars no matter where I go, plus Cingular is the only carrier with rollover. Right now, I have 3700 rollover minutes! I think I need to change my plan to the next lower one. Also, unlimited minutes to any phone in the Cingular network!

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. No cell phones work well in our house

We are in a dead zone. Sprint at least added a booster to the local cell tower when we complained. Now my phone works in some rooms of my house.

This is also a problem in many of the school buildings in our school district.

[freeplessinseattle]

11. ooh, I like the rollover minutes idea!

and the free minutes to other cingular phones. very nice, I'll visit their store tomorrow.

[AndyTiedye]

9. Verizon is The Best if You Need Coverage Out in the Sticks

[freeplessinseattle]

13. I need coverage in the heart of Seattle and the receptions sucks!

thanks though, if I ever go hiking I'll be sure to bring along a friend with Verizon.

Good to know their service lives up to their annoying commercials.

[Maddy McCall]

15. Cellular South, in the South.

I see that you're in Seattle, so, nevermind.

[freeplessinseattle]

17. Thank you all for your help, much appreciated!

Maybe I'll even get a camera phone and thrill you all with pictures of my fabulous jumping cat:)