blu87
join:2004-03-23
Manassas, VA
| Reception question from cell phone newbie
I'm considering getting a cell phone for emergency type situations. I'm thinking about going with a prepaid plan with Page Plus or T-Mobile. My understanding is that Page Plus uses the Verizon network and T-Mobile has it's own network. How can I go about finding out which one provides the best reception in the areas I want to use the phone, so I know which one to go with? The only people I know who have cell phones use other networks. Is there a website that provides this kind of information, perhaps something with user reviews? I did find one website (cellreception.com) but it hasn't been as helpful as I would like. |
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BlitzenZeus
Burnt Out Cynic
Premium,MVM
join:2000-01-13
Beaverton, OR
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| Home emergency, or traveling emergency? It makes a difference.
The major carriers will have their maps, but some like Verizon just show coverage, now how strong it is.
In my area T-Mobile has good coverage, better than Verizon in more than a few locations, but it really just depends where you live. |
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pe3784p33938
@northwestern.edu
| reply to blu87
There's truly no way to know exact coverage beyond a general sense without trial and error in the specific locations you happen to be using the wireless service/handset. Some folks have homes/office structures that act as Faraday cages, inherently preventing adequate penetration of radio waves to receive/place calls ;(. Topography/terrain/foliage also play a role in what the service may behave like in any given spot.
That said, Page Plus, sharing Verizon's native coverage, has the potential of providing you with more coverage than T-Mobile, and you get the added bonus of being able to bring in any Verizon compatible CDMA/EVDO phone (including smartphones) for a pre-paid price. But you will need to test it out where you require service. None of the online maps should be used for more than a really general idea of whether you're unfortunately near large dead spots or holes in coverage. |
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blu87
join:2004-03-23
Manassas, VA
| reply to BlitzenZeus
said by BlitzenZeus  :Home emergency, or traveling emergency? It makes a difference. Both, I suppose. I want it so people can call me when I'm on the internet (I have dialup). I also want it for when I travel to visit relatives. My car's getting kind of old and I'm worried it might break down on the interstate.
If I were to only get one bar, what kind of reception would that provide? Could I still talk on the phone? Would people on the other end hear me? I've never used a cell phone so I don't know what kind of reception they normally provide. |
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BlitzenZeus
Burnt Out Cynic
Premium,MVM
join:2000-01-13
Beaverton, OR
·Verizon FIOS
·Verizon Online DSL
| You want more than emergency use then. There's various plans like this, and carriers.
You have dial-up? You can likely get dsl for the same price or cheaper unless you really live in the sticks. Which might also be a issue with reception.
If you travel often like, to work, and back I'd suggest getting into a $30-40 major carrier anyway, just control yourself, otherwise there are carriers who offer unlimited voice and more for only $50 if you buy the phone up front. Just check their coverage areas first. Most have a 15 day buyers remorse period which you can return the equipment for a full refund if it doesn't work out also, and you just pay for the days you used.
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$75 per hour if you tried to fix it, and failed.
$125 per hour if you called tech support, and didn't fix the issue while making things worse |
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