It might be true in the short run, but you bet that AT&T will reduce the tower count to the bare minimum over time. This merger isn't about improving service for existing customersit's about raising profits. The best way to raise profits (at least according to the people who run AT&T given their decisions since they were known as SBC) is not to improve customer service and satisfaction or provide a better product, but reduce competition and squeeze every bit out of the capital assets they have.
What does this mean in the long run? Fewer towers, poor cell service, poor customer service, and higher prices for consumers.
Next up: Verizon buys Sprint.
Will happen this year for sure.
I don't wanna share the network with iPhone users![]()
So the question is as a T-Mobile customer who is planning on getting an iP5 (would have been switching to AT&T) whenever it comes out would it be smarter to upgrade to an Unlimited Data plan on T-Mobile now in order to avoid the AT&T's data caps?
I do have a smart phone now that could us Edge, just not the 3G. I don't mind buying an iP4 second hand if it means I get Unlimited Data instead of the iP5.
Thank!,
Hotrock
Three major players in the 4G is very competitive. The USDOJ will allow this to happen.
If at&t is buying t-mobile you can bet those unlimited plans are going away. The only way they'd stay is if you already have the plan, then you'd be grandfathered. I highly doubt there will be new unlimited plans offered though.I would switch the plan right before or during the last stages (in about 11-12 months). . .
But then by that time the iPhone 6 will be coming out. Lol
I don't know really I think AT&T will once again offer unlimited plans once T-Mobile is ours.
I beg to differ ... T-mobile will have the iPhone sooner than everyone thought
this is a smart move by AT&T![]()
You obviously have no idea how businesses work.Firstly, you sound. . . bitter. Secondly, raising profits? As far as what goes? For some AT&T isn't THAT expensive AND that's why T-Mobile was in trouble because they forgot this is a BUSINESS. I left T-Mobile (in 07, yeah for the iPhone) and been happy ever since. I live In NYC by the way. Another question, why do you think, even for a second AT&T wouldn't utilize ALL of T-Mobile cell towers once it's official? I'll let you ponder on that for a second. . .
Lastly, I love AT&T customer service. I barely have to call to nag them but whenever I do, I mysteriously get a great rep that's willing to help and/or find out. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. You could always go to Verizon or Sprint or. . . Metro PCS (LOL) no one is forcing you to come to AT&T.![]()
Some of you sound so clueless as to how this is a great move for ALL OF US. T-Mobile especially. I'm confident AT&T will offer unlimited plans again because they will no longer need to be on the same playing field as Verizon. If they don't sorry, I'm grandfathered.![]()
The End. (Sorry for my semi-rant)
irony:
the "ma bell" you speak of is actually verizon -> if you follow the corporate lineage.
AT&T is Ma bell in nomenclature (and logo) only.
j
So you're the reason this buyout is happening!This just ruined my day. I've had nothing but problems with my AT&T phones.
A number of years ago, I had an AT&T phone. My calls sucked. I dumped them as soon as my contract expired, I went to go with Cingular. I had decent calling again. AT&T bought them a month later. My phone went in the crapper again not long after.
As soon as that contract ended, I jumped ship to T-Mobile. I've been happy. Now AT&T is trying to chase me out of my T-Mo rabbit hole too.
I didn't realize Qwest was Ma Bell before. Ugh (I have them). There is no escaping!Wrong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_System
At&t and Verizon, and Qwest would have to merge to actually Raise Ma Bell from the dead. It may happen in the future, as Cable Companies take on the Phone Business.
The current AT&T is a Child of Ma Bell, just as Verizon and Qwest are Children of Ma Bell.
T-Mobile wont be getting the iPhone. They have told us(via a message, yes i have TMo) that it wont change anything as far as service or plans and that it will take at least 12 months for this transaction to be complete and no,..... no iPhone.
That isnt my concern anyways. I still wont get an iPhone. Already had one for two years and now have an Android which i like much better.
My concerns are i dont like AT&T and TMo has always been cheaper and when the change is made my rates will go up but ill probably be looking at Sprint when that time comes. Not a fan of Verizon either.
Not real happy about the buyout. TMobile has been good to me for 7 years.
You obviously have no idea how businesses work.
ATT is much more expensive than T-Mobile for one.
Second of all, there is no question ATT will be shutting down some T-Mobile towers that are redundant to ATT's towers.
This is a horrible deal for consumers, less competition = higher prices. Especially when a large former government monopoly carrier purchases a budget carrier.
T-Mobile will get the iPhone eventually. I believe they are feeding you their canned response for now. Also be aware there may be some T-Mobile folks who lose their jobs as a result of this change over. At some point I would bet the T-Mobile brand goes away and the customer base becomes entirely AT&T. At that point they could certainly sell you an iPhone.
I didn't realize Qwest was Ma Bell before. Ugh (I have them). There is no escaping!
WHAT!? More info please.Maybe there is...they're getting taken over by CenturyLink. I have CL here, so just wait until you get to deal with that POS operation![]()