punkaccountant
Ohio
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I am interested in purchasing an iPhone for my wife an myself and am at the point of looking at these 3 carriers. Sprint seems to offer the best value because it has unlimited data and texting and the most minutes for the entry level family plan. However, I keep hearing that their coverage stinks (don't know that firsthand so let me know if that's the case or not.) Anyone have any advice, recommendations or reservations about any of these 3 carriers? We are 1st time smart phone buyers and would appreciate any experience you can share. Thanks!
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2oldman
Moses Lake
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You get what you pay for. If you travel much forget Sprint. Then it's basically a toss-up as to particular areas of coverage.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Well, since Iphones are not yet 4G compliant on Verizon netword it really makes little difference IMHO. But I think you will be doing yourself a big disfavor if you do not at least look at 4G phones on the Verizon network. It may not be nearly as fast as they advertise, but is still light years ahead of 3G from the other carriers. And while not yet nationwide it is being rolled out fairly fast and soon 4G will be available nearly nationwide. Iphones are nice and have lots of glitz and glitter. However there are downsides. Inability of upgrade to a larger battery is one. 3G is another. Stuck at the Apple store is another. Android phones, especially the 4G ones have a much broader range of free and low cost apps available to the consumer. I guess if you really like things like facetime and their talking app, go for it. So far I do not miss either. Verizon seems to have better coverage nationwide. So if you are planning to travel extensively then it is probably the better choice.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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I would look at different phones then "I" products.
Recommend Verizon. We have been to much of the US and have had good service.
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WyoTraveler
Powell, WY
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I think it depends on where you are which service is better. I like AT&T in Wyoming but I have been on hwy 95 on the eastern side of Nevada that goes from Vegas north and I had terible AT&T service. In fact no service. I think the rural areas are getting better but many of the rural areas have very few cell towers. Not like back east where it is flatter with lots of cell towers.
When we moved to Wyoming I walked into the Alltel office and they offered me a loaner cell phone and programed in my cell phone number. I had to leave my cell phone with them. I went back a week later and bought their phone and service. My criteria was no dropped calls in the area where I planned to build. Not sure the large cell companies will do that for you.
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AdamBryner2012
Springfield, Illinois
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I went with the AT&T Cellphone for my Wife and I, and then got a Verizon 4G MiFi card for maximum coverage. The MiFi card is $50 per month for 5 GB of usage.
We are from Illinois, but sitting in Florida with the following internet specs on the At&T network. 
Last Result:
Download Speed: 4289 kbps (536.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 1070 kbps (133.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
Good luck!
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jim87vette
Arizona
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I bought my service by asking those in the area I would use it the most.Although we are not full timers we do travel a lot.I wanted AT&t because of the lower price.But the service was terrible where my wife and I were based?I went with Verizon(based upon local input of Customers) and it works great so far.I had Sprint for many years because my job provided the phone.It was great at my job site.But terrible when I went out to Arkansas?It may differ now who knows?
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punkaccountant
Ohio
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enblethen wrote:I would look at different phones then "I" products.
I would look at other phones besides the iPhone but, unfortunately, my wife is already familiar with Apple products. She is not at all tech savvy and for the sake of her sanity and mine I think I need to limit it to iPhones.
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Bionic Man
Colorado
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For work, I travel in 13 western states. I had Verizon, then about 3 years ago changed to AT&T to get the iPhone. I dropped more calls in one year with AT&T then the previous 10 with Verizon. When my contract was up, and Verizon had the iPhone, I switched back, and have been happy since.
The one advantage that AT&T has is that some of the iPhone features (being able to browse the web and use the phone at the same time) are only available on AT&T.
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mikestock
Vestavia Hills, AL, USA
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I was with AT &T for many years,dropped calls galore. When I retired and started traveling, I found that AT&T was even worse other places than in my home area. I switched to Verizon about four years ago. Like night and day. The only dropped calls I get now are when I'm talking to AT&T or Sprint customers.
I just got a 4G phone and use wifi off the phone. It is really fast.
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