Which Cell phone company?

[gctong]

My cell phone annual contract is just about to end and I wanted to get a new phone. I'm trying to coordinate what has good reception in WDW (as well as up here in the tri-state area) so I can used it while I'm down there in Sept!

I'm contemplating T-Mobile, Cingular or Verizon (although I personally hate them but i hear they have the best service.) (Actually, I think I'm siding towards T-Mobile.) Any comments? I currently have ATT (TDMA I believe) and I have AWEFUL service.

In case you're wondering why I'm asking, we're bringing my cell phone because we're meeting friends who are coming in from another state and needed to keep in touch when we split up on certain days.

Any input would be VERY Helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[ekmdisney]

I have service with Cingular, and I have never had a problem with them at WDW. And I have never had a problem with them service wise either. I have been with them for almost 4 years, and will be renewing my contract with them this Dec.

During the time I have had the service, I have been to CA, NV, FL, TX, LA, MS, AL, SC, NC, VA, TN, KY, MN, IL, WI, IN, PA and OH. And I have never had a problem with the phone. I have only lost a signal on my phone once and that was when I was in the middle desert of Red Canyon in NV, and even that didn't last very long.

My mother also has service with Cingular, and goes to NY/NJ area about once a year for a meeting. And she has never had a problem with her phone in the area.

I was dating a guy who had T-mobil and he hated it. He would always loose his signal about 2 hours out of Atlanta.

 

[alloyd1170]

Ive been researching companys too (looking for a good PDA phone-Verizon has a nice one). Ive heard not some not so good things about T Mobile as well. I currently use Sprint and have no problems with them. Im in SC, but have traveled throughout the southeast, midwest, and plains. Only time I dont get a signal is in the mountains, but not many do anyways. Consumer Reports did a story a few months ago if you didnt see it. Also, do a search on the web for sites that discuss companies as well. There is no perfect company-all had complaints, some more than others. Sprint got slammed, but Sprint users seem to like the service. I really comes down to where you live so Id ask around. Chances are, and from what Ive read, most companies will work at WDW.

alison

 

[Jamieb]

I am on Verizon and never have a problem with them in Florida as they cover pretty much the whole state. There are some attractions I lose reception in but other then that Verizon works quite well.

 

[all4fun]

We have T-Mobile and used our cell phones the last time we were at WDW. They worked fine. My parents were with us and they had Verizon, their service also worked just fine. Like the PP said, most companies work well at WDW. I make my decision on which service provider based on where I live because the service contracts can be difficult to get out of if you're not happy.

 

[Jockaroo]

We just resigned with Sprint--hubby wanted a cool techie phone. We typically have great reception. Our signal fades occassionally in the Smokies when we travel, but quickly comes back. The new phones seem more powerful however and we haven't tested them out here yet. We like Sprint. Our original plan was with BAM (pre-Verizon) and we did have some issues. Have been with Sprint since about 2000.

I remember our reception at ASMu was sketchy, but the signal was very strong in the parks. I typically did my phone calls home to check on my pups from the parks. It was really great to tell my mom what was going on while I people watched.

Great reception at the Swan! Also had great reception cross country in Vegas and at Disneyland.

 

[gctong]

Thanks everyone for your input! All this info does help a lot. So I'm down to my last 2. Now I'm thinking either between T-mobile or Verizon (still very hesitantly. I've had horrible customer service problems with them in the past). T-mobile seems to have a better "Deal" (mins and $$) with the family plan. But Verizon reportedly has better reception in the NJ/NYC area. I guess now I've got to consider phone models....

Thanks again Y'all!