Verizon vs AT&T......Need Input

[IrishSteelhead]

I currently have Verizon, and my wife has AT&T. We have finally come to the realization that we are getting raped every month, and need a share plan to save some money. Here's the info I received today. This is a share plan for both of us:

Verizon- $175 month after taxes. 6 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, she gets a new IPhone 6, and I keep my 5.

AT&T- $175 month after taxes. 10 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, and we both get an upgrade to an IPhone 6.

*both prices reflect a monthly fee for the phone upgrade(s)


So obviously AT&T is offering more (4 more GB, etc.), but I have no experience with ATT, and am not sure if the service is better/worse or comparable to Verizon. My wife isn't the best source for this information (she will say ATT no matter what), so figured if fish for some info here.

 

[Cali_domer]

I have T- mobile, 100 a month for two lines , Unlimited Talk and text w/ 4 GB

You're getting a raw deal.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Really depends on your location. I switched to Verizon from T-Mobile because there were markets where I couldn't access my data. It was much less consistent. Haven't had a single problem with Verizon. I'm just covering two lines with 2GB though.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Verizon vs AT&T......Need Input

I have T- mobile, 100 a month , Unlimited Talk and text w/ 4 GB

You're getting a raw deal.

Is that $100 for two phones? AT&T was $105 I think for two, and the other $70 was taxes and the upgrade fee for new phones.

 

[Cali_domer]

Is that $100 for two phones? AT&T was $105 I think for two, and the other $70 was taxes and the upgrade fee for new phones.

2 lines, w/taxes it's 108.00(Never the same but close to that)

 

[IrishSteelhead]

2 lines

Gotcha. I think we will keep our current phones and do the $105. I had a flip phone for 7 years before getting this iPhone, so it still feels space age to me, and I don't need anything more.

 

[Corry]

I have T-Mobile as well and it's not bad. The only down side is you have to pay for your phones entirely. There are no built in upgrades. So if you're the type of person who likes getting a new phone every year T-Mobile might not be for you.

 

[Cali_domer]

I have T-Mobile as well and it's not bad. The only down side is you have to pay for your phones entirely. There are no built in upgrades. So if you're the type of person who likes getting a new phone every year T-Mobile might not be for you.

Very true... Treat your phones nicely

 

[nico7980]

I have T-Mobile as well and it's not bad. The only down side is you have to pay for your phones entirely. There are no built in upgrades. So if you're the type of person who likes getting a new phone every year T-Mobile might not be for you.

I've got T-Mobile here in TX also. We have a plan where we can "Jump" to their newer model phones after 6 months. Might want to see if that is available where you are.

 

[Circa]

I currently have Verizon, and my wife has AT&T. We have finally come to the realization that we are getting raped every month, and need a share plan to save some money. Here's the info I received today. This is a share plan for both of us:

Verizon- $175 month after taxes. 6 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, she gets a new IPhone 6, and I keep my 5.

AT&T- $175 month after taxes. 10 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, and we both get an upgrade to an IPhone 6.

*both prices reflect a monthly fee for the phone upgrade(s)


So obviously AT&T is offering more (4 more GB, etc.), but I have no experience with ATT, and am not sure if the service is better/worse or comparable to Verizon. My wife isn't the best source for this information (she will say ATT no matter what), so figured if fish for some info here.

It's hard to beat Verizon's coverage. But they rape you is a minor statement, I have a Facebook page up for this purpose alone. If you go over on data and then up your data as to not occur overages you get swashbuckled into 2 mos of charges for 1 months use.

The more everything plans are also a joke. If you average your 2 new phones into a 2 year plan and take the average of a contract or the newer non-contract you come up with the same deal, only the non-contract will play around more with the data overage.

Data overages have become the old long distance phone call and the phone companies are the only ones making sense of any of it. Unless we go to the likes of a 3rd party carrier and say screw you to better coverage for a bit, we'll be stuck in this algorithm for some time.

 

[BeauBenken]

Check into Consumer Cellular. The phone selection is pretty damn limited and you essentially HAVE to buy one of their phones that way you can have one of their sim cards. However, I think we are paying less than half of what we did for Verizon, and I believe Consumer Cellular uses the AT&T network.

 

[irishff1014]

Att around here has the better plan but Verizon kills them in service. At has terrible service unless you are right in a big town.

 

[BobD]

I've had Verizon for about 8 years now. I think it's the most expensive, but by far the best coverage and customer service in my experience. I've received calls in the middle of the friggin desert and 40 miles off the coast. At one time or another I had most of the other major carrier's and its not even close.

 

[DogDaysIrish]

I've had Verizon for about 8 years now. I think it's the most expensive, but by far the best coverage and customer service in my experience. I've received calls in the middle of the friggin desert and 40 miles off the coast. At one time or another I had most of the other major carrier's and its not even close.

That about sums it up in a nutshell.

 

[Irish#1]

Verizon has better all around coverage, but AT&T now has the rollover plan for data. We have a shared 2GB plan, but since we use WiFi so much we never hot the 2GB. Go with the one that gives you better coverage in you immediate area.

 

[wizards8507]

I'm on T-Mobile with two lines, unlimited talk and text, 2GB of data with no contract. Only $78 a month after all taxes and fees.

We paid for our devices up front but it was worth it to me to stay out of a contract.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

 

[pumpdog20]

If you have good Sprint coverage, and don't use a a lot of data, look into Ting.

 

[ThePiombino]

Verizon has superior service - ALL the consumer surveys back this - but you will pay. I'm a guy who believes quality is worth the premium. Go with anything less than VZW or ATT and you will regret it. TMo will not be able to sustain their current business model AND improve their network. Something has to give there, not to mention they really do have an inferior infrastructure. Sprint is just a tire fire.

DISCLAIMER: I'm professionally biased here.

 

[GoldenDome]

In my experience in the LA area, Verizon is easily the best in customer service and coverage. Then again, Verizon is the most expensive, but for me it is worth it. I can't stand losing signal and am a heavy user.

 

[AvesEvo]

When I was in college I did customer service for AT&T so here is my 2 cents. atts customer service is amazing, any problems ask for customer relations, they have secret plans, will give you free phones, and comp your bill. Get att now, it's already the better deal for you, and in a month call customer service and ask for customer relations. Make up some excuse as to why you need to cancel because your bill is too high and that you're going to straight talk; see what they offer you. Also, don't get the insurance, it's a joke. If you feel like you need insurance, get apple care, any problem that you have with your iPhone will be fixed by apple anyway, not att or Verizon.

Also, consider straight talk, they use att network.

 

[ThePiombino]

When I was in college I did customer service for AT&T so here is my 2 cents. atts customer service is amazing, any problems ask for customer relations, they have secret plans, will give you free phones, and comp your bill. Get att now, it's already the better deal for you, and in a month call customer service and ask for customer relations. Make up some excuse as to why you need to cancel because your bill is too high and that you're going to straight talk; see what they offer you. Also, don't get the insurance, it's a joke. If you feel like you need insurance, get apple care, any problem that you have with your iPhone will be fixed by apple anyway, not att or Verizon.

Also, consider straight talk, they use att network.

Every company has a <strike>retentions</strike> customer relations department. ATT not exactly blazing any trails here...

 

[wizards8507]

How much time do you guys spend calling customer service where that plays into your decision making? I talk to the cell phone people like... once a year maybe.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

 

[BobD]

I already chimed in, in favor of Verizon, but thought I'd add two important reasons why I pay more for better coverage and service. 1. We haven't had a landline regular home phone for about 10 years. 2. I want my wife who has some medical issues to be able to reach me whenever she needs me.
For both reasons I won't sacrifice a few bucks for less than great coverage and service.

For back ups we have facetime via iPads in case cellular is lost and we also have security cameras around the house that allow for two way communication if needed.

 

[BobD]

How much time do you guys spend calling customer service where that plays into your decision making? I talk to the cell phone people like... once a year maybe.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

I don't call them very often, but when I have, the service was exceptionally good. On my old plan I had 1400 shared minutes (unlimited now). I called because I was going to go over my minutes due to work calls being rolled over to my cell phone during some construction. First they offered me free minutes ( I think 200 or 300) and when that wasn't enough they bumped my plan to 2100 for one month so I'd save money by not paying overage charges, then automatically reverted me back to 1400 without having to call them back. They emailed me to make sure all was good and to see if I was going to need more minutes for another month.

 

[koonja]

I currently have Verizon, and my wife has AT&T. We have finally come to the realization that we are getting raped every month, and need a share plan to save some money. Here's the info I received today. This is a share plan for both of us:

Verizon- $175 month after taxes. 6 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, she gets a new IPhone 6, and I keep my 5.

AT&T- $175 month after taxes. 10 shared GB, unlimited talk and text, insurance on both phones, and we both get an upgrade to an IPhone 6.

*both prices reflect a monthly fee for the phone upgrade(s)


So obviously AT&T is offering more (4 more GB, etc.), but I have no experience with ATT, and am not sure if the service is better/worse or comparable to Verizon. My wife isn't the best source for this information (she will say ATT no matter what), so figured if fish for some info here.

What do.you mean by monthly phone upgrade charge?

 

[wizards8507]

What do.you mean by monthly phone upgrade charge?

That's the new business model. Pay monthly for your device in exchange for a "lower" monthly service bill. It ends up being the same as if you were stuck in a contract paying higher rates. It's why I just buy my phone at the retail price. No contract and my monthly plan is dirt cheap.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

 

[koonja]

That's the new business model. Pay monthly for your device in exchange for a "lower" monthly service bill. It ends up being the same as if you were stuck in a contract paying higher rates. It's why I just buy my phone at the retail price. No contract and my monthly plan is dirt cheap.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk.

I gotcha. Steeelhead, check your Pms. I believe Verizon has a better deal available for You than the one you laid out.

If anyone ever has questions about best plans, prices, etc, feel free to ask.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I have ATT. Switched from Verizon 4 years ago. In my area there is no difference to me between the 2 besides storefront customer service. The local ATT store customer service is A LOT better than the local Verizon ones. I've had great results with ATT's online chat customer service and over the phone.

Insurance. It's a ripoff. Besides the $7-$10 monthly fee per phone the iPhone requires a $300 fee when you use the insurance for replacement. And as stated if it's an iPhone you go to the Apple store to get it fixed, not the phone store. The insurance doesn't work at the Apple store. Of anyone I know, broken screens are what happens most. We have places local that will replace them for $100 as opposed to $7 a month and a $300 phone replacement fee.

 

[AvesEvo]

Every company has a <strike>retentions</strike> customer relations department. ATT not exactly blazing any trails here...

Very true, but I'm from South Dakota and at the time Att as a cell service hadn't come here yet, we only had Verizon and Alltel. I asked many of the people I worked with that had Verizon how their customer service was and they all said that it wasn't nearly as good as Att, Verizon's customer service reps didn't have near the flexibility or power to give things away or have the unadvertised plans.

 

[AvesEvo]

I have ATT. Switched from Verizon 4 years ago. In my area there is no difference to me between the 2 besides storefront customer service. The local ATT store customer service is A LOT better than the local Verizon ones. I've had great results with ATT's online chat customer service and over the phone.

Insurance. It's a ripoff. Besides the $7-$10 monthly fee per phone the iPhone requires a $300 fee when you use the insurance for replacement. And as stated if it's an iPhone you go to the Apple store to get it fixed, not the phone store. The insurance doesn't work at the Apple store. Of anyone I know, broken screens are what happens most. We have places local that will replace them for $100 as opposed to $7 a month and a $300 phone replacement fee.

Complete ripoff with any phone, but especially the iPhone. You can get a <$100 smartphone at time of upgrade and if you need and insurance replacement, it will still cost you $300. ATT will upgrade you through the retention department (called customer relations) at 12 months. And as Insanity said, you can get your phone fixed for $100 at a local shop.