GSM vs. Digital
Written: Feb 27 '04 (Updated Mar 30 '04)
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Pros: Price and Quality are a good match.
Cons: May be on the phone for a while to speak to a person.
The Bottom Line: Your needs? Good Coverage cheaper rates = AT&T.
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| amyandtherain's Full Review: AT&T Mobile Phone Service in San Francisco/San Jos... |
I have GSM. I use to have digital and everyone around me still does. First I must say. AT&T is the best coverage for your money. I have owned Cingular in the past (about a year ago).
My Plan:
I got a great deal that was perfect for me and they no longer offer it. 500 Anytime national minutes and unlimited nights and weekends for $35.00. AT&T also credits your account for 1 minute when a call is dropped. (Has only happened to me three times in a year.) I have the Nokia 8390.
My Coverage:
First...I got the phone because at the time Cingular had little or no coverage area inside most major buildings and stores. AT&T does not have any problems like this.
I live in Belmont and travel to San Francisco and as far south as San Jose somewhat regularly. I have not noticed any real problem areas. A few areas maybe in San Francisco but I move a block down the street and have signal again. Most likely a building blocking off signal downtown.
I also frequently visit the central valley. The coverage over the Altamont is great. My phone has no problem with signal, but does get a little weak in the backwoods boonies and some buildings. The signal is non existent on highway 99 from south Turlock almost all the way to Bakersfield.
With their digital coverage plans you won't have these problems.
I have noticed that the signal is weak and almost non-existent inside buildings in East Walnut Creek. But downtown the phone works perfectly. Digital phones have a little bit stronger signal here as well.
I have used the phone at South Lake Tahoe as well. Works pretty good but you may lose signal at your camp ground on the GSM network.
Overall the Digital has the best coverage. There are only a few times when I get better coverage than the Digital Network and this is usually in major cities. I would say that if you stick to major cities the GSM will serve you well. If this is a phone you may need in case of emergency and you frequent the back areas you may want Digital.
The Functions:
On GSM I can check e-mail and surf the web for an extra fee. On both Digital and GSM you can text message. Free voice mail you can check from any phone.
The Future:
As we all know AT&T is soon being bought out by Cingular. I looked at Cingular and there prices are a little higher. So if you can I would go with an AT&T contract for one year and lock in the cheaper rates.
Also note that since they will become one company the coverage area will be improved and the deal spot along highway 99 will disappear along with a few other dead spots. I am not sure what will become of the Digital Network in the future but I know it is their goal to gradually switch to GSM.
Customer Service:
If you need to reach them be prepared to spend some time on the phone. I have learned that it is better to first try your local AT&T store and if they can't help you then you get on the phone.
When I first got my current phone it had issues. It was a lemon. So I got on the phone and basically got the run around because I was not aggressive enough. I got aggressive and basically they said, you have had it less than 30 days you can take it to your local AT&T store and get an exchange or you can mail it to us and we will mail you a new one. Obviously I went to my local store rather than being a few weeks without a cell phone. How long did I spend on the phone trying to get this simple answer? 4 Hours!
Online - I really have learned to take advantage of my online account. I can check minutes to make sure I don't go over and I can pay my bill online using my credit card or bank debit card and I can chose to just pay the current bill or make it reoccurring.
You can also buy phone and chose your plan online. But I think it is best to look online and then know what kind of deal to expect and get a good deal and phone from the store so you can walk out with it.
I have heard Verizon is the best but why would you want to pay $65 for a plan you can have for $35?? $30 a month for better coverage. I don't have a stalker and I can afford to miss a call every now and again.
If you need a economical plan this is for you. If you are very business minded and can't afford a missed call then go to Verizon.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 35
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Epinions.com ID:
amyandtherain
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Member: Amy
Location: Washington
Reviews written: 28
Trusted by: 2 members
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