Thinking of getting my first cell phone - need advice

[rpc64]

Ok so I've been checking around on the websites of all the major carriers and comparing the phones and plans and such. Today I checked out AT&T Wireless and I'm liking what I see. They have cheap plans with lots of features included, they seem cheaper for what you get than all the other carriers. They also have the Nokia 3650 with a $150 instant rebate!

So because I have no cell phone experience basically, I would like to ask your opinions of AT&T, specifically in the Phoenix, AZ area. If you have any other recommendations for phones/carriers/plans I would like to hear them as well. One last question. I know some (or all?) carriers do credit checks when you try to sign up with them. How hard is it to get a phone if you have no credit? Not bad credit, just no credit.

 

[gsaldivar]

Wireless Advisor Forums

 

[rpc64]

Thanks for the link. LoL, that site uses the same forum software as here but they have the horribly irritating ads on the right! Sorry, I just found that amusing for some reason.

 

[BD231]

AT&T Wireless, there the biggest network next to verizon and signal quality is almost always better than Verizon from what I hear. I use AT&T, they've been great for me.

 

[GRIFFIN1]

I moved from AT&T to Sprint because I needed a new phone, and AT&T wouldn't give me a good price. The service with AT&T was better as far I can tell. I'm sure it depends on your area. I will go back to AT&T after my sprint contract runs out.

 

[TJN23]

get Sprint man...a PCS phone by Sanyo will do ya good

 

[NutBucket]

I think Sprint has the most liberal policies if you have bad/nonexistant credit. Compared to other carriers the deposit will be tiny.

 

[rpc64]

People that say AT&T is good: What areas are you in?

TJN23: Sprint seems to have expensive plans. Maybe I should have mentioned this earlier. I will not pay over $40 a month for a phone.

 

[rpc64]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I think Sprint has the most liberal policies if you have bad/nonexistant credit. Compared to other carriers the deposit will be tiny.

How exactly does the deposit thing work?

 

[DarkManXY2G]

I've been with Sprint for 2 years now and I have no plans on changing. The service has been great and I very rarely lose signal or drop calls. One of the biggest things is get a nice phone regardless of which carrier you choose. A good phone will be able to get and hold a signal even in weak areas better than those with RF. Look around on Howard Forums and make up your mind. A good place to start is also going to a place that sell multiple brands and see what the people there use. Chnaces are they use the carrier with the best signal in your area. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Ylen13]

i watching a cnn and jdpower did a study they found in this order

above average
verizion
nextel
cingular

belove average(order could be wrong in this one don't remmber exacly)
At&t
t mobile

 

[hopeless879]

I just got the Nokia 3650 phone, first phone I ever had, and let me just say I think it's amazing. There are so many features and I havent had any problems with it.

I signed up with T-mobile and I haven't had a problem with the service yet, although their CSR suck.

 

[erub]

Some companies require you to give them a varying amount of money if you have bad credit (I've heard that they range from $100-800). Basically they sit on your money for 6 months (or a year) and it might even earn a little interest...if you pay your bill on time and in full every month you get it all refunded.

Like others said it all varys on your area and who provides good coverage. I'd ask around with your friends and see who they like. But most of the carriers offer at least a 15 day trial period, I'd bring your phone to all the places you are going to use it and see how it works. Because after that you are stuck for a year or two.

 

[rocadelpunk]

i think best carrier really depends on location...

at&t is 'average' (what i have) in columbus ohio...

my friend who has verizon, can get a signal anywhere, even when we go into dense woods and everybody else loses service.

I like my nokia phone, it's older, but it has snake on it

 

[rpc64]

Bump!

Thanks for the replies everybody.

 

[dcdomain]

Dude... Cingular is up there!?!?!?! WTF? And I've had great experiences with T-Mobile, wish I could stay with them, but their coverage at home is horrible. Now if all the companies could have such great customer support.

Check www.howardforums.com.