[Nick]

There has been a lot of confusion, hatred, and dissatisfaction on this forum within the last few weeks. I am going to boil everything down for you. All the content posted below will be unbiased and will not have much of my own opinion in it. Take it for what you will, but I recommend reading thoroughly...I want your opinions and responses.

Below, I have compared a few carriers based on tests by JD POWER, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, Mountain Wireless, and many other comparisons locations. I will also provide as many proof links as possible.

Verizon Wireless:

• Provides America's Most Reliable Wireless Network

What does that mean? It means that you will have coverage where you need it and when you need it. More calls will go through and fewer dropped calls than with competitors. Horrible international roaming abilities. Areas that are available are expensive. This situation is improving as CDMA dominates GSM in more countries than ever before.

• Largest 3G network

No Joke! On Verizon Wireless' website's coverage locator, they even have comparisons. Click here and then on the blue text below the nationwide map. You may need to enter your zipcode first. They compare AT&T and Sprint PCS.

• Provides nice customer service open until 11PM with a worry free guarantee.

It's true. Verizon Wireless ties with T-Mobile for best customer service frequently on JD Power's website. This year, Verizon Wireless has taken the gold. They are open every holiday. Their retail stores are open every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• Many devices are crippled. They are limited to just Verizon Wireless services, like the award winning VZNavigator. A few customers find this disturbing. All CDMA carriers do this.

• Pricing is EXPENSIVE

Let's face it, if you want good coverage, it comes at a pretty penny. Verizon Wireless has the highest pricing for least amount of services. Additional features are also expensive. This situation is slowly improving with new promotions.


AT&T Mobility:

• Provides an large array of features for similar pricing to that of Verizon Wireless.

They are more technically advanced with some features while they are less advanced with others.

• Smallest 3G network of any carrier (with the exception of T-Mobile which is just starting to roll it out).

If the iPhone 3G was never released, neither would AT&T's 3G network.

• Customer service has NEVER been rewarded an award by any company.
  

They have choppy representatives. Everyone has a different method. They close at 9pm on every day except Saturday they close at 6pm. Closed Sundays and most holidays. Stores open until 5pm at most locations, 7-8pm at some. Closed [stores] all national holidays.

• National coverage. Best coverage claims based on Global Coverage, not USA coverage.
  

They have excellent international roaming, for a pretty penny. They claim to have largest US network, but read fine print, it says based on Global Coverage.


T-Mobile:

• Much of the same coverage in the US as AT&T.

International roaming is also great with T-Mobile. Much of the phones features are guaranteed not to work internationally. Extensive roaming off of AT&T within the USA. They do not charge for roaming on most plans...but most features do not work while roaming.

• Superior customer service.

T-Mobile customer services reps usually tie with Verizon Wireless for best customer service by JD Power. They also have received the gold twice since 2002. They have a way of solving your problems within your first call. They also make you feel invited into retail establishments. They do have lack of communications stores nationally.

• Literally NO 3G.
  

They may have just released it in some selected areas. I am not sure, can someone please clearify?

• Superior Pricing

They offer many price plans for the same price as Verizon/AT&T with the exceptions of the minutes. It is nearly impossible to use all of the minutes they offer for $39.99-$49.99. Watch out, many of their plans DO NOT contain unlimited nights/weekends/and certainly not mobile to mobie. Many do though, just check. My Fave plans are also a plus.


Sprint PCS:

• National Coverage

Much of it is roaming which on select plans is free. Many features are not operable while roaming. 3G is limited to large cities. Sprint means: Southern Pacific Railroad Intermission NeTwork. They were originally owned by Southern Pacific railroad company so they follow railroad tracks and provide coverage there. They are not known for expanding their Voice Network.

• Poor customer Service

This is horrible...I am honestly sorry to Sprint users. They have to deal with the constant hold time of 15+ minutes and then get a representative that doesn't want to help you...but they want to complain to you about their day. It is rediculous...hense why they have never received any awards for customer service

• Pricing is not very good.

Poor network=poor pricing? What!! Seriously, it is sad. They offer pricing similar to Verizon without all the network coverage and services. This situation is improving.