Cell Phone Question

[MinnieMe2]

I have a question that I'm hoping someone here can answer for me. I've had my current cell phone for about a year. I've never been able to use it in any buidling, whether I'm at home, work (college campus), the grocery store, etc.

My question: is this most likely my phone or my service? Without starting a debate about which is better, my plan is with Verizon, and I've been very happy as far their response to any problems, adding/deleting phones to my family plan, etc. I don't intend to drop Verizon, but if there's a phone I can use indoors, I'd like to be able to do that. Anyone got any advice?

Thaks!

 

[mommytutu]

My first thought is service. Does Verizon have a cell tower close to where you live and work? This was the problem my parents had with Sprint....the dang tower was too far! If they have a tower in the area, then look at getting a new phone. Maybe you just need a new antenna.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

Get a new phone! And I also switched frim At&t to Verizon.
So I guess between the two is why I can talk in the buildings, and the train.

 

[browneyes]

It could be either problem-the phone or the service. There aren't any towers out where I live, so I have to go 12 miles up the road to use my cell phone rolleyes: ). If I'm in a metal framed building (Walmart, Lowe's, etc), I lose a signal sporatically throughout that building. Call Verizon and ask them about their coverage areas.

I use Cingular. My brother uses Verizon. His cell phone detects a hint of a signal where I live whereas my phone can't find any hint of a signal.

 

[minniecarousel]

Can you hear me now? - actually - no I can't. Every time I see their commercial, that's what I want to say! At my house, I can use my phone upstairs or in the backyard. Never mind if I'm in the house on the first floor - it always cuts out. It's very frustrating.

 

[LynnM]

With verizon, call *228. Not exactly sure what it does-I think it programs or activates more towers to your phone. We were having problems with getting no service in areas where we previously had service and this solved it. Still have problems getting a signal in metal frame buildings though.

 

[ilovepcot]

Then I'm very lucky! I have Verizon and can talk in metal buildings with little or no problem. Only time I have trouble is when it's raining pretty hard....then signal gets a bit sporadic.

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by LynnM
With verizon, call *228. Not exactly sure what it does-I think it programs or activates more towers to your phone. We were having problems with getting no service in areas where we previously had service and this solved it. Still have problems getting a signal in metal frame buildings though.

I have Verizon as well. Choose option 1 first to program your phone the first time. From then on you only need to do option 2. You need to do this at least once a month if you want to pick up any new or added towers. It's free and very simple to do and it will talk you through the upgrade. It made a HUGE difference in my reception.

 

[tc]

Most services (I have Sprint) say you should do the software update each month. It allows your phone to read the nearest tower. My phone sales person said that towers are put up so fast and often, that you need to do this each month. If that doesn't help, I'd get a new phone.

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by tc
If that doesn't help, I'd get a new phone.

But be aware, they will want you to extend your contract for an additional 1 to 2 years in order to get a reduced phone, otherwise it is full price!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I do the *228 every few weeks, just to keep current.

 

[Lachesis00]

Is the *228 verizon only?

My friend said it was her phone... something about digital and analog.... hers was the older model. She got a new phone and no problems.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I use the *228 on my US Cellular, not on my Cingular.