Verizon Wireless or Sprint

[RainCityMacFan]

The AT&T voice coverage here isn't that great, I do get dropped calls a little more than I should but both network should be getting a full upgrade in the Chapel Hill area. But perhaps dropped calls are inherent in the way AT&T implements GSM.

I'm just curious but if you have an AT&T iPhone, were you able to notice the difference between CDMA, GSM, and WiFi?

 

[acarney]

HSPA+ would be night and day compared to Verizon and Sprint's data speeds. However, package that with 200Mb and it would be a joke. Don't stick with AT&T for the faster data if you're going to basically say you can't use it at all and need WiFi.

Now the next part is going to be how much in the future you want to be set. If you're not going to upgrade your data package then you probably won't use AT&T for data very often and Verizon's 1Mbits is fast enough for basic stuff, hell, probably even netflix and such most the time. BUT, you would be on the network that has a huge jump on LTE and if a new LTE iPhone comes out next year you would be able to sell the 4S for at least a few hundred bucks but maybe like $400+ and then just spend the money for an unsubsidized phone and not have to extend your contract.

If you're with AT&T you would have to shell out the ~$300 to $400 for a subsidized phone with Verizon AND enter a new contract.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I with the guy above me, if you are planning on the 200mb package with ATT, then how important is data anyway?

My mom has an 4 on Verizon, my dad has an ATT 3GS. He has put them side by side in the car and my mom always has better signal, and coverage when he loses it along I75 (in the central Florida area). He also says that even though ATT is faster, her phone beats his all the time.

It sounds like VOICE is more important to you, and so I'd go with that (again going with the fact that you are going to get the 200mb data plan). Talk to people around campus about their voice reliability.

Good luck!

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Yes voice is very reliable for me.

I'm getting the 200MB for AT&T because of the fact that it's the cheapest plan. But I guess in the long term Verizon will be cheaper so I'll go with them. Plus, my school has WiFi everywhere so no need for HSPA+ really...

However, Acarney, can you clarify on the process of upgrading to the iPhone 5 when it comes out?

 

[vitzr]

Check their coverage maps and see what gives you better service and compare the plans and see whats best for you.

Finally an educated cell phone user who understands the most important criterion.

It is absolutely essential to identify which carrier has the best coverage in your area. If people would do this first, less would be left with poor coverage.

AT&T has been unfairly trashed. Simply because people who wanted iPhones during the period in which the only carrier was AT&T, bought them even though they were outside of AT&T's coverage area.

Now that one has a choice, choosing the carrier first will give you your best experience. It's just a fact.

 

[acarney]

Yes voice is very reliable for me.

I'm getting the 200MB for AT&T because of the fact that it's the cheapest plan. But I guess in the long term Verizon will be cheaper so I'll go with them. Plus, my school has WiFi everywhere so no need for HSPA+ really...

However, Acarney, can you clarify on the process of upgrading to the iPhone 5 when it comes out?

I'm just suggesting that the "BIG JUMP" will most likely be next year with an LTE (true 4G speed, 10+ Mbit data speeds) version of the iPhone. Verizon has already been building out their network with the LTE upgrades like crazy and are almost at 200 markets nation wide. AT&T has just hit like 6 markets. Since you will have to sign a contract with Verizon you will not be able to get the subsidized price upgrade next year, BUT, by selling your old phone like a week or two before they announce the new iPhone (just keep reading MacRumors and stuff) and buy a really cheap GoPhone or something and claim you lost your iPhone then you can make a decent amount off it (maybe $400 or so). You can use that money to buy the LTE iPhone unlocked and not subsidized and end up probably only paying $400 out of pocket (total ~$800 based on this years unlocked prices) and get the LTE service but NOT extend your contract, meaning that you'll only have 12 months left before you could switch again with a true unlocked LTE iPhone or at least be ready for another discount.

With AT&T you would do all the same stuff, BUT you would most likely have to sign another two year contract if you switched to Verizon for LTE service (or pay $10/month more I think for month to month service) and would be in the same position but with another extra year of being locked into a contract.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Yeah no way in hell will I buy an unlocked phone only to give it away in about a year.

I think I'll go with Verizon because it's cheaper for me overall. I just hope I don't end up missing the speed or the unlimited mobile to mobile minutes. Plus, LTE > HSPA+ in about a year...

Thanks all More information is definitely welcome since I'll buying the phone sometime later this week. But I really can't wait for my first phone contract... ever.