Should we switch from Sprint to Verizon?

[frannn]

I know I've asked this on the budget board a while ago, but need more input. DH's phone has tanked, and he keeps going over his alotted minutes, so we're ready to sign the new dreaded two year contract with either Sprint (current carrier for both of us) or Verizon. I've heard that both offer good coverage in NY and FL (WDW), so that is not an issue. We don't want a family plan with shared minutes. Both companies will give us free phones. Sprint offers free evenings at 7pm; Verizon is 9pm. Sprint charges .16-.20 for each minute that is used over your plan allowance; Verizon charges .45 for each extra minute. The only good things about Verizon is that (1) most of the people DH calls are with Verizon, so as long as he remembers to call the cell instead of the landlines, those calls are free, (2) Verizon would be slightly less expensive, as DH gets a discount through the NYPD, and (3) DH will have the same amount of minutes with either carrier, but I will end up with more (for the same price) with Verizon. I don't use up my current plan minutes now, so it's not a dealbreaker.
I've heard customer service horror stories with both companies. I use my cell to call my friend in another state, so the 7pm nights would be a plus.
Should we switch, or keep Sprint? Thanks so much for your help!

 

[NewJersey]

I had Cingular for about 5 years but the reason I switched was because most of my friends had Verizon and I didn't care for Cingular's service.

I love Verizon and the 'in' calling...especially because most people I know around here have Verizon.

Only thing I don't really like are their phones...I find other carrier's phone much more appealing.

I love the service I get...my bf has Sprint and I get better reception than him.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I've had Verizon for four years now and like them. The rates are reasonable. And they have neat looking phones too!

 

[grinningghost]

Yes! We did and it was the best thing we ever did. No more dropped calls, lost signals, etc. Verizon is MUCH better than Sprint.

 

[frannn]

More advice pleassssseeee

 

[lsyorke]

We had Sprint for years and constantly had areas of no service. I couldn't get service in the hospital that I worked at. Switched to Verizon last year and couldn't be happier with the service. I have NEVER been without service, regardless of where I am with Verizon. Verizon is MUCH better than Sprint!!

 

[Anewman]

Sprint(Nextel) has been good to us, we happen to live in a Verizon blind spot. We tried Verizon b4 signing with sprint and took it back within a few days. Verizon told us that they are improving their coverage in the area, this was about 3 years ago and when my mom visits now her verizon phone still struggles.

Both have blind spots, so for the best advice you really need to ask your neighbors and co-workers to see what kind of reception to expect at home and work. Just make sure to toss out the extreme opinions either way.

 

[Micca]

We've had Verizon for several years and have no complaints.

 

[M 'n C]

I've had verizon for about a year now after many many years with cingular and I love verizon. I've never had a problem with the service or the customer service people.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

We have used Verion for a long time. I think more than 6 years. They have been more than helpful with us whenever we need it. I don't mind the 2 year contract. The big plus is the New in 2 thing they have. We get 100 dollar credit towards a new phone every two years. My husband just got the new Chocolate phone for 29 dollars because of the credit.

 

[Dana49]

According to a recent Consumer's Report, Verizon is the best in the country, followed by T-Mobile, then Cingular and Sprint.
I had Sprint several years ago and it seemed like I never had service. My wife had Verizon and she rarely seemed to have a problem. The minute my commitment to Sprint ran out, I switched to Verizon. What a world of difference between the two providers.

 

[zagafi]

I've had Verizon for years and have been very pleased. Hubby has Sprint/Nextel and his coverage is pathetic. I get a strong signal even in the basement where I work and others with Cingular/Sprint/T-Mobile don't. And, while I think the service in their stores stinks, their call-in customer service has been stellar.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I had this service that switched to T-Mobile and I was getting a lot of drop calls and I can't get no service when I'm in the basement. I changed to Sprint, and it's pretty much the same, lots of drop calls. I have Verizon now for like 3 years now.. and I love it! We were in Canada somewhere in the nowhere land and it worked there and whenever I am in the basement, I still have the service. I am forever with Verizon!

 

[Hedy]

I had this service that switched to T-Mobile and I was getting a lot of drop calls and I can't get no service when I'm in the basement. I changed to Sprint, and it's pretty much the same, lots of drop calls. I have Verizon now for like 3 years now.. and I love it! We were in Canada somewhere in the nowhere land and it worked there and whenever I am in the basement, I still have the service. I am forever with Verizon!

I've had verizon for two years now-no complaints. Just had a great experience with their call center this morning-fixed my phone over the phone.

 

[ZachsMommy6]

Verizon for 2 years and getting to do it again. No problems that I remember, maybe a drop call or two but nothing big. One other thing I ws in MS (Kessler AFB)when Katina hit and I and service after the storm and was more likely to get a line out than others. I am commented to Verizon becasue of that...Each to there own, ask your neighbors like suggested before commenting

 

[kydisneyfans]

Sprint has better customer service.
Verizon has much better coverage.

 

[Missy Mouse]

I know I've asked this on the budget board a while ago, but need more input. DH's phone has tanked, and he keeps going over his alotted minutes, so we're ready to sign the new dreaded two year contract with either Sprint (current carrier for both of us) or Verizon. I've heard that both offer good coverage in NY and FL (WDW), so that is not an issue. We don't want a family plan with shared minutes. Both companies will give us free phones. Sprint offers free evenings at 7pm; Verizon is 9pm. Sprint charges .16-.20 for each minute that is used over your plan allowance; Verizon charges .45 for each extra minute. The only good things about Verizon is that (1) most of the people DH calls are with Verizon, so as long as he remembers to call the cell instead of the landlines, those calls are free, (2) Verizon would be slightly less expensive, as DH gets a discount through the NYPD, and (3) DH will have the same amount of minutes with either carrier, but I will end up with more (for the same price) with Verizon. I don't use up my current plan minutes now, so it's not a dealbreaker.
I've heard customer service horror stories with both companies. I use my cell to call my friend in another state, so the 7pm nights would be a plus.
Should we switch, or keep Sprint? Thanks so much for your help!

Personally, I would switch to Verizon. I get reception EVERYWHERE, and almost everyone I talk to has Verizon. I have had one or two problems when it comes to the customer service, but considering how frequently I call, they've been pretty good to me. I also don't like the way Sprint/Nextel operates. I used to work for Cingular and when someone would switch to us and want to keep their number, Sprint put a number guard on there so it wouldn't port. We would have to call to get the number released. It is illegal to do but they are getting really desperate because so many people are switching. I would be a bit weary. Do you know how much it is costing them to allow free nights after 7, without charging extra? Cingular charges $8.99/month for that extra, and it barely covers the cost to keep it going. I have no idea how Sprint is managing. So long story short, in my opinion, I'd go with Verizon.