AT&T is A Great Overall Value
Written: Sep 08 '02 (Updated May 10 '03)
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Pros: Good Customer Service, Decent Phones, Above Average Network
Cons: Too Many Rate Plans and Services
The Bottom Line: I am a loyal AT&T user, because they provide a good value in cellular phone service.
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| dguruswamy's Full Review: AT&T Mobile Phone Service in Washington/Baltimore |
I have been a AT&T subscriber since April of 2001. Until recently I was on their TDMA network and used a internet capable Ericcson RL289 phone. When I first signed up I got the Regional advantage plan with 400 anytime minutes and 1000 night and weekends for $39.99. When AT&T started offering unlimited nights & weekends I upgraded to that by simply extending my contract for 1 year from when I accepted the promotion. I recently upgraded to a GSM/GRPS phone (the Siemens S46)and got 500 anytime minutes plus 3000 night and weekend minutes for $35. So here is my review!
EQUIPMENT
My Ericcson RL289(it was a real brick, but at the time it was one of only 2 internet ready phones that AT&T offered.) is no longer offered but considering I got $20 BACK after purchasing the phone I couldn't complain. It had decent battery life and it was indestructible. In the 16 months I owned the phone, I must have dropped it over half a dozen times on asphalt and it kept on ticking. The phone was heavy because it was a tri-mode phone. It worked on TDMA, Analog and a special data network which delivered the Pocketnet internet service.
The phone I just purchased the Siemens S46 is a GSM phone which also works on TDMA. It is so much lighter and has more features but DOES NOT support analog. Until AT&T finishes rolling out it's GSM service, I would advise that this phone be the choice of new GSM/GRPS subscribers.
SERVICE
When I had my Ericcson it was great as I could roam on Cingular analog and TDMA while in the Northeast and NEVER pay roaming. Having said that AT&T TDMA/Cingular TDMA/Cingular analog only begin to approach the Verizon's digital network in coverage on the Northeast. I work for Amtrak so I know the only phone that will work the entire route from Boston to Washington DC is Verizon and that's indicative of their superior network in the Northeast.
Having said that, I will say AT&Ts network is probably better than Sprint PCS, Voicestream, and Nextel in the DC area. On the flip side AT&T's coverage doesn't compare to Verizon. Cingular is a moot point because all normal AT&T plans allow you roam in your home calling area on Cingular for no extra charge. If you get the new GSM/GSRP none of the phones has analog capability and only the Siemens can even use AT&T's legacy TDMA service.
VALUE
AT&T does not offer the best rates. They leave Nextel, Spring and Voicestream to go after those who value nothing but the most minutes for the least amount of money. Having said that AT&T is competetive with both Verizon and Cingular.
The network doesn't measure up to Verizon and Cingular, but it's still pretty good.
The customer service provided by AT&T is superb.
This combination of value, a good network, and superb customer service have earned my loyalty.
SUMMARY
If you need the best network, AT&T is not for you. If all you care about is the most minutes for the least dinero, AT&T is not for you. If however, you have an appreciation of good overall value AT&T does the job.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 35 a month
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Epinions.com ID:
dguruswamy
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Member: Dharm Guruswamy
Location: Arlington, VA
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 2 members
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