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Review by ktekale 
UPDATED: 38 days ago
member for 4.5 years, 62 visits, last login: 38 days ago
 08854-3120
 $77 per month (24 month contract)
 about 5 days
 "GSM"
 "Too many to list here"
 "If you need GSM phones, you are out of luck"
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After being a Verizon Wireless Subscriber for almost 50 months, I made the unfortunate mistake of switching over to Cingular Wireless... The network with the most dropped calls...
I work and stay in NJ. I can not make a call from Newark Airport/ Shopping Malls in NJ/Costco stores in NJ. I can not make calls from the freeway.
AT&T is consistently bad - stay away - iPhone or no iPhone
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 Review by a333
UPDATED: 47 days ago
member for 2.4 years, 912 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Rego Park,Queens,NY
$110 per month (24 month contract)
"Decent 3G, good call quality, some very nice phones"
"Branded firmware is a pain in the *ss until you debrand.. see below"
"Good service overall"
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I've had AT&T Wireless since June 2008, so I thought it is about time I reviewed it. My first phone was a Sony Ericsson z750a, on an individual plan. It was a good phone, and also doubled as a nice mp3 player, coupled with a headset and memory card. Call quality has always been fairly decent here in the NYC metro area. I don't remember the last time I got a dropped call, although I have occasionally gotten "network busy" messages down in the lower Manhattan/Greenwitch Village area. However, they are few and far in between.
Fast forward to end of August 2009, I got a new phone when the rest of the family switched to AT&T (My old Sony Ericsson had been stolen in May, and I was using a GoPhone activated on my account in the meantime). This time it was a Sony Ericsson w518a. It has a host of good specs/features, including camera, bluetooth, aGPS, Tri-band 3G, accelerometer, and gesture control. I also got the $15/month Data Unlimited package (discounted to $10 with a bit of social engineering). However, it became apparent that AT&T's default firmware was just too crippling for my needs. For example, the default email client couldn't be configured with push email. Unsigned Java apps were a pain to run, as they asked for permission to use data every few seconds. I therefore "debranded" the phone (i.e. reflashed it to Sony Ericsson's default firmware). However, since the only available non-branded firmware for this phone is the non-aGPS European w508 firmware, I lost GPS functionality. However, the phone is now significantly more responsive. I can get RSS feeds scrolling across the home screen. There are a host of actually useful apps, like a nifty little Youtube app that also allows uploading of videos. The email client can send picture and video attachments. Also, the push email is a big feature for me, along with the ability to install unsigned Java apps without headaches. Along with that, I can finally choose between GSM-only, and GSM/3G modes (this really helps battery life FYI), and also force my phone to roam on different GSM networks. Finally, I appreciate an interface that isn't cluttered with useless AT&T walled garden applications.
As to the 3G service itself, occasional tethering via bluetooth has yielded speeds of about 800-900 Kbit downstream and about 160 Kbit upstream, with latencies hovering around 200-350 ms. (Note: Do this only sparingly, as tethering is technically against the TOS on the Data Unlimited plan.) Speed tests from the default mobile browser usually return roughly 400-700 Kbit download. I am sure the tethering numbers improve a LOT when using USB, but haven't configured USB tethering yet.
Coverage-wise, 3G coverage is pretty much everywhere in the aggressively built out NYC area, although I might occasionally drop 3G for a moment of two. Youtube videos stream pretty smoothly, and downloads/page loads are very good for a mobile connection.
To sum it up: If you're an AT&T customer who owns a Sony Ericsson phone and actually wants to use the data plan they're paying for, DEBRAND!! The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. However, proceed carefully, as flashing the wrong files may very well turn your phone into a very expensive brick. These links are a good start for those interested:
»www.howardforums.com/showthread.···10136377
The files I used for my w518a:
1) W508_R1EA030_FS_APAC-ANZ_RED53.fbn
2) W508_R1EA030_MAIN_GENERIC_BR_RED53.mbn
3) C905_1209-4780_R7A_GENERIC_APAC-ANZ
A Google search for these files should lead you to the appropriate instructions/sources of said files.
-a333
Speed tests done on USB (finally):
»www.speedtest.net/result/583631792.png
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 Review by BUGZILLA 57
UPDATED: 101 days ago
member for 5.4 years, 1741 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Pflugerville,Travis,TX
$60 per month (24 month contract)
"High speeds in remote areas when I can get 3G. Beats dial-up or satellite."
"EDGE is no where as good as 3G"
"If you need it, it can be useful."
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I've used it all around Central and East Texas with reasonable stability.
device: Option 3G Max 3.6 Express
UPDATED 5-31-09
I have been getting steadfast 3G out at my remote lake house. High speed makes streaming music easy.
I found a USB dongle and dB gain antenna, and use it through a desktop unit for my 'home away from home' network.
It's 3G signal is more reliable than my wife's iPhone.
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 Review by NetFixer
UPDATED: 187 days ago
member for 5.4 years, 3054 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Murfreesboro,Rutherford,TN
$150 per month (24 month contract)
"Good coverage most places, and 3G is now available here."
"3G coverage needs to be expanded."
"Reliable service, and the rollover minutes make it almost affordable."
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I am not a new AT&T/Cingular user, I have used their cell phone service (and prior to that their pager service) since they were called BellSouth Mobility in this part of the country.
I had not previously done a review because the GPRS data service I had was for emergency use only if I could not find a WiFi hotspot when on the road (and I did not use it very often). Several weeks ago, I traded in my GSM/GPRS handsets for a pair of GSM/UMTS/HSDPA/EDGE handsets, so at least in the three cities where 3G is available in this area, I no longer have to search for a hotspot if I need to do something more than just check email status. Even the EDGE service is better than I expected in the (large) areas where 3G is not available than I had expected it to be.
I typically seem to get ~250-300 kbps down in 3G areas, and ~80-100 kbps down in EDGE areas. Definitely better than the ~20-24 kbps I used to get with GPRS.
3G Update:
I had to go to Huntsville today, and I forgot my external Bluetooth adapter, so I had to use the USB direct connect cable to connect to my notebook. I discovered that with the direct connection, I got ~1.3-1.4 mbps down. Guess I will need to start looking for a new USB Bluetooth adaptor.
Update 05/18/2009:
I recently added another 3G phone to my plan to take over a business number that I had to port from AT&T CallVantage since they are shutting down that service. The only problem was with CallVantage initially refusing to allow the number port, and then dragging their feet even after an AT&T Wireless manager raised hell and forced them to release the number.
Recent upgrades to the service here now provides me with good connectivity in my home/office and that has allowed me to now use only cell phones. No "landlines" at all, not even VoIP. That will likely change for financial reasons (unlimited calling from my home/office will mean that I can cut back on the minutes in my calling plan) if/when AT&T Wireless actually starts marketing their MicroCell service, but for now everything is over the air and working great.
Followup comments:  
bobjohnson
Premium
join:2007-02-03
Titusville, FL | Bluetooth adapter I can't get over 700kb dn with my Bluetooth adapter that's built in to my laptop or my external adapter, but if I plug it in directly I get 1.0 to 1.5mb with sprint | |
| | iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO | Re: Bluetooth adapter Bluetooth if I remember correctly is limited to 700 kb/s for that sorta thing. Technical limitation. My Sprint phone is similar on that sorta thing. | |
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 Review by exocet_cm
UPDATED: 260 days ago
member for 6.6 years, 3307 visits, last login: a few hours ago
New Orleans,Orleans,LA
$200 per month (12 month contract)
"N/A"
"N/A"
"N/A"
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This is an old review and I'll be updating it shortly.
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summernite35
@qwest.net
| Cingular We have Cingular, and now for a year and a half, we have had to call just about every month for errors in billing. Overcharging, charging for things never subscribed to. We had to block the internet and text messaging about 6 times, and they still haven't gotten it right. Our bill has always run around 116.00 a month, since we started complaining and asking to get out of our contract, our bill is now over $200.00. We do not know what the extent of the charges are, as we are awaiting the bill in the mail, we are unable to completely access it from the internet. *****POSSIBLE CINGULAR CUSTOMERS*****
BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We actually had a customer service rep refuse to give us his name because he was so rude and refused to help resolve an issue on our bill, would not give us to a supervisor!!! They should be sued for false advertisement, and fraudulent billing practices!!!!! We have written the ATT Corporate office, Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau. If you think you have rights, then stand up against corporate America and let them know you intend to fight!!!! I encourage anyone who is having problems with false billing with the "New ATT" please contact me at passerm@msn.com. as I am looking into a class action suit. | |
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Review by Landin_CH
UPDATED: 276 days ago
member for 6.8 years, 834 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Fredericksburg,Spotsylvania,VA
$70 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"available almost everywhere"
"sometimes connects as G3 but then drops to EDGE"
"Seems like a good alternative to fixed internet access."
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FEB 2009 - Fredericksburg and most of Spotsylvania now 3G ... and working. Up and download speeds correct, unlike that fluke in Crystal City which is still reversed (AT&T ticket still open on that one).
03JAN2009 ... taking a few days off to catch a breather before inauguration ... my SW AC881U 3G MobileBroadband(HSI) card is working out just fine ... have it locked to 3G ONLY and so it either connects or doesn't ... with some exceptions (where upload and download speeds are reversed (400kbps down and 1.5Mbps up, as in around US1&12th St (Crystall City), Arlington, VA). 3G coverage has not only increased but improved, as well, it seems. Anyhow, got as high as 2GB on my monthly "limit" when I ran internet radio in background ... still having a good time over-the-road and on-line.
04SEP2008 ... writing from Baton Rouge LA, where I have been for a few days with the Hurricane Gustav Bus Evacuation operations ... 3G has been working all along whereas my Nextel has not really been stable anywhere. No issues going online almost anywhere I went or needed to. Can't say the same for my issued Nextel! Lost of No Service or just can't connect. Same after Katrina, handed my Cingular phone around for Red Cross and Urban Search and Rescue so they can call out. Great Job, BTW.
= [ Original Review ] =
AT&T 3G GSM/AT&T Mobility/Cingular Wireless/AT&T Wireless = HSI on the go
Visited several provider stores, talked to users I know, read online reviews, etc. prior to actually ordering service (3-day full-refund cancellations). Tried several mobile broadband cards and providers and settled on AT&T (Cingular) 3G MobileHSI and SierraWireless USBConnect 881 broadband card. 3G with one or two bars faster than EDGE with four bars ... but wanted to check mail (often), surf internet when needed, download construction and/or traffic updates to my hpTX2110 when travelling througout the Lower-48 and Canada. Although I have signed up for unlimited internet, understand (artificial/in-house/realistic) limit may be 5Gigs/month.
Have CavTel.Net DSL in Fredericksburg, VA and Wi-Fi capabilities, too, but really like the independence of mobile broadband.
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 Review by jlp09550
Posted: 283 days ago
member for 2.8 years, 151 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Abbeville,Vermilion,LA
$107 per month (24 month contract)
about 5 days
"Excellent coverage, excellent speed, and incredible online interface."
"Customer support is slow."
"Best wireless company out there!"
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I was with Cingular for a few years before AT&T merged. Now, service is still great, but not AS great.
Pros:
+ Excellent coverage (I get AT&T nearly EVERYWHERE I go!)
+ Incredible wireless Internet speeds (ever on EXTENDED! [because we don't have 3G here..])
+ Easy to use online interface for managing your account
+ Convenient billing process
+ Getting better everyday..
Cons:
- Customer service is terrible!
- We can't get 3G service.. and they said they are not planning 3G in our area.
My review:
The only bad things I do not like about our new service is the pricing plans and the customer service, as well as the fact they don't want to offer 3G in our area. Anyways, ever since AT&T merged with Cingular, customer service has gone downhill, while my bill was going uphill instead. I used to pay $70/month for an individual line.. now I pay nearly $110/month because they raised the data and text messaging pricing plans.
The good points are the coverage, wireless Internet speeds, and the easy-to-use online interface. This is what has kept me from switching to Verizon. (aside from my contract..) I can get service nearly anywhere in our area, (just ONE spot is a dead zone, but we're in a rural area) which is a MAJOR gain for AT&T. Additionally, the wireless Internet speeds (counting the extended, since that's all I can get here) are quite incredible for what I'm paying for.
I don't have much to review now.. maybe I'll add more when 3G is finally activated in our area.
Thanks for reading.
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Review by Grentz
Posted: 291 days ago
member for 5.4 years, 72 visits, last login: 99 days ago
Waconia,Carver,MN
$60 per month (24 month contract)
about 4 days
"Great Coverage, Great Online Control, Good CS, 3G speed is awesome"
"Typical Cell Phone company expensive handsets if not signing contract"
"Best Cell Company IMO"
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I have used a laptop card from AT&T Wireless (cingular) for a few months and the service is very good in the Twin Cities, MN area. The 3G speeds are great and very comparable to a 512k DSL connection which is great for surfing the internet/email/etc.
The online account management is all very slick and customer service is very good in my experience (also have my cell phones through ATT Wireless).
The monthly cost is the deal breaker for me, and thus I have stopped my subscription, but this is a limitation of any provider as they are all at the $59.99 mark for unlimited usage on a PC Card. It is great for travelers and road warriors though and nice not having to try and find a wifi connection in a pinch.
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Review by alrandolph
UPDATED: 294 days ago
member for 5.3 years, 1543 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Brooklyn,Kings,NY
$94 per month (24 month contract)
"No dropped calls, no network busy issues"
"Data plan are too expensive"
"Always get 4 or 5 bars, no matter where I am"
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Been with Att Wireless since Dec.99, Migrated to Cingular like 2.5 years ago to convert to a family plan. No issues with dropped calls or with Network busy for a very long time, so I am happy with my service... I just wish they would drop the prices for their Data Services they charge way too much money for them
Have a Corp FAN account so that saves me 13% off my monthly bill as well I have 2 separate lines that were on a family plan. Both lines are the 450 min ones.
Update 1/31/09
upgrade last month to the 1400 voice plan with 2 shared lines we were running over the 700 mins just about every month. No complaints other than not being able to make calls in certain Subway stations
and in the Metro in Wash, DC.,
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Review by rlj42149
Posted: 302 days ago
member for 7.5 years, 43 visits, last login: 103 days ago
Austin,Hays,TX
$85 per month (24 month contract)
about 2 days
"not sure, there has to be something."
"poor customer service at best, dropped calls, warranty sucks"
"I'm changing companies real soon. Was too lazy to do it til now."
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I have been with these guys for over 9 years. about a year ago I complained that i was dropping calls and the battery on the Nokia I had was requiring a charge every day.
The answer was that since I had warranty on the phone that I paid extra for, that I send it to them and they would send me a "brand new Nokia 6555". I figured ok, I'll give it a try. Almost immediately after I got the phone, like within a week, the phone decided it would just shut off.
I called about it and after arguing with some Indian lady in the call center for a couple of hours I finally got them to send me a replacement. You guessed it. The same phone. Now it is not because I didn't protest about the same phone. I did. That was all they would let me have. Not the previous model phone I had, but my only choice the same phone.
Here we go again. Same thing with the same phone.
My options are to sign a "new 2 year contract" or go back to the warranty department. Warranty it will be.
I'm not signing anything or agreeing to any such thing since they promised me service and a working phone and did not deliver. Same song and dance.
I did get them to agree to send me a different phone. However, when I looked at phone scoop and cnet to find out about it the model they wanted to send was more problematic than the one I had. I stuck with a replacement hoping that it will work better.
They are not interested in keeping customers, just keeping the customers money. If I pulled my accounts with them now, they will try to charge me over $550. Looking into this with an attorney since they did not provide the stated services. I have to uphold my end of the contract but they don't have to proved the services apparently.
You don't send the same broken phone to somebody over and over claiming it is all you can do. That is the perfect example of insanity. Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
Even with a good phone, lots of dropped calls and messages that mysteriously disappear or show up DAYS later.
I'm gone. It's just a matterr of time.
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