iPhone/AT&T in Los Angeles/Baltimore/DC

[nickarate]

I have been a long time Verizon subscriber who has had one too many customer relations issues with the Big V and am looking to get myself and my family iPhones. I've done the research on price, and AT&T gives me a much better deal than Verizon... even though it is more feature packed.

My question is, would you guys mind rating your experience in the LA, Baltimore, and DC area? AT&T has taken a lot of heat recently, but if the phone works in those three markets, I would be more than happy.

Thanks,
Nick

P.S. If anyone could rate their service on Catalina Island (as I vacation there quite a bit) that would be wonderful.

[r6girl]

Service in LA is awful. My mother lives there and I never enjoy my iPhone when I visit her unless I'm connected to her WiFi network.

I haven't been in Washington DC or Baltimore recently to be able to comment on AT&T coverage in these areas, though it was decent when I lived there about 10 years ago.

[nickarate]

Well that's a little disconcerting news (as I live full-time in L.A.), but thank you for the reply.

[outphase]

I regularly go to LA and find that my reception is pretty good.

[99MustangGTman]

Never been to LA so I can't tell you, but coverage in DC and Baltimore is pretty good. I always have full coverage around those areas. I actually live in Germantown, which is a suburb in the DC metro area and sometimes I don't get full bars, which can cause me to have to resend text messages 2-3 times because they won't go through.

[-aggie-]

Coverage in the DC and Baltimore area is fine. No dropped calls and most times have 3G.

[nickarate]

Thanks guys.... that does ease some of my fears, but if coverage in L.A. isn't at least decent, it has to be a no go for me (as I'm sure you understand).

[yelnref]

I live in LA in the hills and work out of Hollywood. Coverage is fine for me.

[Mliii]

The problem with saying that AT&T service in LA is bad is that "LA" covers a HUGE geographical area. As with most major cities and most carriers, it really depends upon specifically WHERE you are.
For example, in most of the part of LA I frequent (Pasadena, San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita Valleys), my coverage is good. I also have good coverage in the South Bay at the beach. There are some other LA locations where it is spotty.
As for Catalina, in Avalon, I have not experienced any problems with cell signal or coverage. And for much of the year, I am there once a month, so you can take that into consideration.
I live in LA 1/2 the week and in the DC area the other half. (don't ask!) I find my coverage in DC a bit more problematic and note that there is scant AT&T coverage in the DC Metro system.
But look, I used to have a different carrier and my service with that carrier was the same way- some spots were great and some not so great.
And without re-igniting the ATT-Verizon flame wars, the GF (who is on Verizon) and I can be in the same condo, and there are times when I call her and it rings on my end, not on hers and eventually goes to her voice-mail.
So, YMMV.

[nickarate]

Well that is significantly more reassuring. I live in literally downtown L.A. but also frequent Pasadena/San Marino area. Sounds like those work well from what you guys are saying. I'm also happy to hear that Avalon works well (it wasn't critical but it is a perk.

I gotta agree with you on Verizon though; my experience has been good, not great with them. Last night when talking to my GF it cut out 3 times when I supposedly had full coverage.

[nickarate]

And Mlii, you must have a million and a half miles saved up, man.

[alphaod]

If you can, I'd get a GoPhone and try out the service; the only drawback of course is the GoPhone has slightly less coverage than the regular post-paid plans for the iPhone (basically you can't roam on partner networks with the GoPhone). If you can get good enough signal with your test device, then you will have gauged a good idea of the reception you should be expecting from AT&T in your area. Again, if the reception on the trial is satisfactory, the coverage on the post-paid plan will only be better.

[outphase]

Based on posts around here, the only major metro that has any major problems is NYC.

[nickarate]

Originally Posted by alphaod

If you can, I'd get a GoPhone and try out the service; the only drawback of course is the GoPhone has slightly less coverage than the regular post-paid plans for the iPhone (basically you can't roam on partner networks with the GoPhone). If you can get good enough signal with your test device, then you will have gauged a good idea of the reception you should be expecting from AT&T in your area. Again, if the reception on the trial is satisfactory, the coverage on the post-paid plan will only be better.

That is a really good idea! I'll have to give it a shot.

THanks to all of you. I really appreciate it.