Cell coverage in the east (opinions?)

[Ozzie]

As you may already know, I will be visiting the US this coming May.
I am attending Carlisle, and will be touring/driving around the eastern area a bit.
Something along the lines of this

Just wanted to know, does AT&T provide good coverage out there?
Is there a better provider?

I'll be spending time out west too (LA, Phoenix, Vegas), but I am pretty sure that AT&T is good there.

[Dattebayo]

AT&T sucks for traveling.

Get Verizon, they seem to have the best IMO.

[Kompresshun]

^Agreed, AT&T sucks majorly.

I would stick to Verizon too if you want something that will work pretty much anywhere, next to that I would recommend Sprint.

[Amays U G37S]

Ya verizion is the best. I've used them personally 10+ years and they have fantastic service and customer support.

Basically, I had all my numbers changed to local (3) and I happened to end up with a Military guys number. Well, a few chick pics later, voicemails, text messages, and these people looking for this guy, I called verizion back told them my problem, and they did not deduct minutes again for changing the number again.

I've also been with AT&T internet for 12+ years, and they are really good with it. But it has drastically changed since they are now regulating usage and download speeds.

[Dattebayo]

^Agreed, AT&T sucks majorly.

I wouldn't say that, because they are really great in the city. But once you get out a little bit, they aren't very useful.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

AT&T is pretty much the root of all evil.
Verizon has the best coverage.

[Ozzie]

Kenny sent me a link...
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/#?type=voice

The coverage looks pretty good actually.

I have to get a SIM, and it appears that verizon and sprint are CDMA providers....
(I can't get a contract, and don't want/need a phone bundled with the deal)

My other option is T-Mobile, but their coverage map doesn't look too good for the west.

Are the issues you guys pointed out to do with coverage, or other details like customer service, etc?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

a little bit of everything really... mostly customer service I guess. Par for the course for telecommunications though.

And don't take AT&Ts word for it on their map...

[Ozzie]

^Agreed, AT&T sucks majorly.

I wouldn't say that, because they are really great in the city. But once you get out a little bit, they aren't very useful.

Helpful advice here. Thanks Dave.

Are you saying I will get good service in the cities, but while driving between destinations, I may lose service altogether? Or will it become intermittent, and just poor reception?

[Dattebayo]

Are you saying I will get good service in the cities, but while driving between destinations, I may lose service altogether? Or will it become intermittent, and just poor reception?

Yes and yes. But also in cities, AT&T tends to not work so well in buildings. CDMA is king for getting through buildings and concrete for some reason I don't understand.

I would personally just get a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for your stay here and go with Verizon.

[Kompresshun]

I would personally just get a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for your stay here and go with Verizon.

X2, Pay as you go, then toss it in the trash when you get done if you don't want it.

AT&T has become horrible, we have many friends and family in different ares, and they constantly drop calls. Their coverage map looks great but their network sucks and has for well over a year now. Call quality blows, drops calls(even with full bars), and their customer service blows too. Trust me, I was a loyal customer of theirs for 4 years, and I gladly paid the early termination fees on both of our contracts.

[Jesda]

Sprint and Verizon are both CDMA, but Sprint is usually cheaper and roams on any CDMA network including Verizon and US Cellular.

[GrilledCheese33]

Verizon Owns. I've been on many road trips to many different places and I always have service when others don't.

[Ozzie]

Trying to find a cheap, short term option with verizon is proving difficult.
Need to get a phone, and 3 weeks (just say a month) of service.
All I can find is a $49.99 per month deal, plus $0.99 per day (if it's used, so we will assume I will use it everyday)
Also get charged extra for international text and calls.
It's getting pricey for 3 weeks of use.

[Jesda]

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/ -- Get a cheap CDMA phone, pay $25 for the service, then throw it away. They're all going to charge extra for calls home.

I use it now as my primary phone service.

[alms24sebring]

^ agreed, just get a cheap throw away. They're like $30 for the phone and of course extra for minutes but not sure how much they run for international calls.

Also that should be a nice drive on the east coast. I've only driven thru (the good parts of) New York and it had some great sights and crazy city roads and bridges. But be warned, drivers are a-holes and eveyone drives 80mph+. Welcome to the US and A