T-Mobile US coverage -- honestly, how bad is it?
Sep 3, 2015, 8:51 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 16
Just as bad as Verizon or AT&T. I've been on all three in the last 3 years and it's a hit or miss. Some cover better here but then not there, etc.
Even in large cities I sometimes get dropped calls or EDGE network only. Hilarious.
If you think Verizon is good, then T-Mobile is just as good. I have a different benchmark. Call me spoiled, but when I lived in Europe, I could go to the most rural mountain and still get 5 bars and 3G *faster* than America's LTE.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
But I have to say T-Mobile offerings today and their reps and disruption they create is worth giving a big thumb up.
Even in large cities I sometimes get dropped calls or EDGE network only. Hilarious.
If you think Verizon is good, then T-Mobile is just as good. I have a different benchmark. Call me spoiled, but when I lived in Europe, I could go to the most rural mountain and still get 5 bars and 3G *faster* than America's LTE.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
But I have to say T-Mobile offerings today and their reps and disruption they create is worth giving a big thumb up.
Sep 4, 2015, 11:09 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
If you think Verizon is good, then T-Mobile is just as good. I have a different benchmark. Call me spoiled, but when I lived in Europe, I could go to the most rural mountain and still get 5 bars and 3G *faster* than America's LTE.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
.
Here, carriers have to contend with vast unoccupied spaces that are just uneconomic to blanket with coverage. Populations in Europe are much more dense so there's more of an economic case for omnipresent coverage.
Also I suspect that European carriers either receive large subsidies for capex or are required by law to build coverage in otherwise uneconomic areas. I don't believe that is the case here.
Sep 4, 2015, 4:01 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Seattle, Washington USA
Posts: 972
Just as bad as Verizon or AT&T. I've been on all three in the last 3 years and it's a hit or miss. Some cover better here but then not there, etc.
Even in large cities I sometimes get dropped calls or EDGE network only. Hilarious.
If you think Verizon is good, then T-Mobile is just as good. I have a different benchmark. Call me spoiled, but when I lived in Europe, I could go to the most rural mountain and still get 5 bars and 3G *faster* than America's LTE.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
But I have to say T-Mobile offerings today and their reps and disruption they create is worth giving a big thumb up.
Even in large cities I sometimes get dropped calls or EDGE network only. Hilarious.
If you think Verizon is good, then T-Mobile is just as good. I have a different benchmark. Call me spoiled, but when I lived in Europe, I could go to the most rural mountain and still get 5 bars and 3G *faster* than America's LTE.
Something is seriously broken with cellular in US.
But I have to say T-Mobile offerings today and their reps and disruption they create is worth giving a big thumb up.
Sep 4, 2015, 5:26 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Sep 4, 2015, 8:12 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 215
I use T-Mobile while I am home (in the states). I have LTE at my house and in the city I live in - a few problem areas where I can't get service and others (AT&T or Verizon) can but I've learned to live with it.
Traveling (domestically) is a slightly different story - I had an issue with data usage and roaming; I had a 100MB cap for data while roaming and no one told me until I ran out of data and couldn't do much.
I've learned to live with it and for the money I save I like T-Mobile. If it works in the office I'd say give it a test run. If reception looks spotty or users will be traveling and "need" connectivity I'd be a little leery.
Traveling (domestically) is a slightly different story - I had an issue with data usage and roaming; I had a 100MB cap for data while roaming and no one told me until I ran out of data and couldn't do much.
I've learned to live with it and for the money I save I like T-Mobile. If it works in the office I'd say give it a test run. If reception looks spotty or users will be traveling and "need" connectivity I'd be a little leery.
Sep 4, 2015, 8:37 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: LAX
Programs: Motel 8 - Copper
Posts: 89
At least having tested it first you can avoid any potential pitfalls and a major fail. Even if the trial involved just one phone for the OP, he would probably lose the 30 day trial for the whole office. So it's smart either way to test it beforehand.
Sep 5, 2015, 2:43 am
#22
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
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Posts: 3,225
Can't speak for Florida but in California t Mobile is the worst of the three. I switched from at&t to get the international roaming and found that while it works perfectly in Europe it barely functions in large sections of California where my old at&t sim worked ok and where Verizon works perfectly. If I didn't spend most of my time overseas I would definitely switch to Verizon.
Sep 5, 2015, 10:13 am
#25
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DAB
Programs: DL PM UA PSilver Marriott Lifetime Plat, AMEX Platinum, Avis PC, UA MPPPlus
Posts: 961
My device is a Nexus 6 with the Google Project Fi system image and SIM. According to TMo and Fi, Fi users do not yet have access to VoLTE, which is different than post paid TMo customers.
While I can see and appear to be connected, a single attempt at placing a call (WiFi was cut off) caused my phone to switch off of Band 12. It seemed happy to reconnect and camp on the Band tower with an active data connection. (WiFi cut off)
For US travelers considering purchase of a TMo handset, I'd recommend one that not only has Band 12 but also supports VoLTE and E911 as that's the only ones that will be supported. You also need to make sure that your service plan includes VoLTE.
Considering the size of the Apple market share, I'll be interested in seeing if this is covered in any of their announcements at the event later this month. Specifically inclusion in any new devices, and activation and support in some existing handsets.
Sep 9, 2015, 2:45 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: American AAdvantage
Posts: 1,045
Per the iPhone 6s Technical Specs, the latest iPhone does have LTE Band 12.
Models A1633 & A1634
LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Models A1688 & A1687
LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Models A1688 & A1687
LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Sep 9, 2015, 3:00 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Per the iPhone 6s Technical Specs, the latest iPhone does have LTE Band 12.
Sep 9, 2015, 3:09 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,620
Since switching to T-Mobile I have found a few places where at&t is a little better but in general T-Mobile is close enough that I can get by and save some $$$$.
I am curious how it will be in other places that I visit, but my sense from talking to people is that in major Metropolitan areas T-Mobile is good enough though at&t and Verizon might and probably are slightly to moderately better
I am curious how it will be in other places that I visit, but my sense from talking to people is that in major Metropolitan areas T-Mobile is good enough though at&t and Verizon might and probably are slightly to moderately better
Sep 9, 2015, 9:23 pm
#29
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Join Date: Apr 2009
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I tried out T-Mobile using their free test drive. I wanted it to be great, having heard how many improvements they made to their network, and knowing how much I dislike AT&T and Verizon as companies. I took it all across the Midwest on a week of business travel. Where I had service, the data speeds were great, but there were many occasions where the signal simply wasn't there. I had poor quality calls where I had to switch to a landline. The coverage is undoubtedly improving but it is still not on par with AT&T and Verizon.
As a former IT manager... forget about executives, sales reps, etc. going to a store to buy a local SIM, putting it in their phones, and figuring out international dialing (or messing around with Skype). They'll never do it. It's not worth their time to figure out how to do it, even if it's easy. And it's not worth you getting blamed. If these guys travel all over the place, get them phone service that has the best coverage, plan on them using their phones and keeping their same number overseas, and budget your mobile telecom spend accordingly. Trying to cut costs by pushing a #3 or #4 carrier and local SIMs is a losing battle for an IT manager. Save some money by switching to shared data plans if you haven't already.
As a former IT manager... forget about executives, sales reps, etc. going to a store to buy a local SIM, putting it in their phones, and figuring out international dialing (or messing around with Skype). They'll never do it. It's not worth their time to figure out how to do it, even if it's easy. And it's not worth you getting blamed. If these guys travel all over the place, get them phone service that has the best coverage, plan on them using their phones and keeping their same number overseas, and budget your mobile telecom spend accordingly. Trying to cut costs by pushing a #3 or #4 carrier and local SIMs is a losing battle for an IT manager. Save some money by switching to shared data plans if you haven't already.
Sep 10, 2015, 9:08 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite/Lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum Medallion, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 722
Former user here with VZW for most of 25 years, going back to the NYNEX mobile & alpha-numeric/tone-only paging days, also had AT&T WS/M for a # of years as secondary before switching some lines over to T-Mo. From down south along FL & up/down the East coast, unless your corporate team are heading into the woods, coverage should be almost as good & nearly as good - depending on budget & hardwares, choose your mobile smartphones carefully for best use of the 4G/LTE networks & towers - for optimal integration of cellular, WiFi and roaming/oversea coverage on all the single mobile # including texting & data access.
It sounded like your office folks just wanted nothing more than the ability to flip the switch, get the virtual dial tone (wireless signal) and able to make/receive calls - and not worry about anything else & hate reading/following instructions and prompts.
T-Mo has a business division and reps that can work with you (deals for up to 10 lines, credits/rebates for porting/moving lines & even dealing with ETF's and so forth) There is also a money-back/worry-free program to try out for 30+ days (??) as I was just reading it on my (formerly Sprint) iPad mini this week now on T-Mo's free monthly 200MB FDFL program - useful for an upcoming trip as it has the global LTE bands abroad.
Simple Choice North America Plan would extend coverage to Canada & Mexico, recently rolled out - and, without contracts, as others suggested, get a new line for 30 days and for as little as $70 or $80, the user will get unlimited calling & texting, and as much as 3 to 5 GB fast 4G LTE data to use - (speed is faster than/comparable to AT&T's signal/coverage) Aside from iPhone 5s or 6 - not locked to any carrier, of course; devices like the Nexus 6 or Moto X Pure Ed. or 3rd. generation "G" might just be the hardware ticket to convince the majority to take the plunge.
Home in metro NY, VZW continued (no plans to add extra towers for the fringe section of our "town" ... just a few dead zones to them, hmmm) to the worst, and surprisingly - indoor coverage with T-Mobile is even better/stronger reception over AT&T. Out on the West Coast, T-Mobile is just fine too ... except inside the Grand Canyon NP, while vacationing. On the whole, we switched 2 years ago & not missing Big Red at all (for those who hasn't tried T-Mo in the last year or two, I'll say give them another run for your money - there's a $30 prepaid plan for 5GB data, unlimited SMS & 100 mobile minutes, and, the 3-in-1 Sim card is (was) free again.
Where are their overseas trips landing them - FT's are reporting good success with the free roaming data all over under T-Mo and not paying extra, try doing that under the "Can you hear me now" banner
It sounded like your office folks just wanted nothing more than the ability to flip the switch, get the virtual dial tone (wireless signal) and able to make/receive calls - and not worry about anything else & hate reading/following instructions and prompts.
T-Mo has a business division and reps that can work with you (deals for up to 10 lines, credits/rebates for porting/moving lines & even dealing with ETF's and so forth) There is also a money-back/worry-free program to try out for 30+ days (??) as I was just reading it on my (formerly Sprint) iPad mini this week now on T-Mo's free monthly 200MB FDFL program - useful for an upcoming trip as it has the global LTE bands abroad.
Simple Choice North America Plan would extend coverage to Canada & Mexico, recently rolled out - and, without contracts, as others suggested, get a new line for 30 days and for as little as $70 or $80, the user will get unlimited calling & texting, and as much as 3 to 5 GB fast 4G LTE data to use - (speed is faster than/comparable to AT&T's signal/coverage) Aside from iPhone 5s or 6 - not locked to any carrier, of course; devices like the Nexus 6 or Moto X Pure Ed. or 3rd. generation "G" might just be the hardware ticket to convince the majority to take the plunge.
Home in metro NY, VZW continued (no plans to add extra towers for the fringe section of our "town" ... just a few dead zones to them, hmmm) to the worst, and surprisingly - indoor coverage with T-Mobile is even better/stronger reception over AT&T. Out on the West Coast, T-Mobile is just fine too ... except inside the Grand Canyon NP, while vacationing. On the whole, we switched 2 years ago & not missing Big Red at all (for those who hasn't tried T-Mo in the last year or two, I'll say give them another run for your money - there's a $30 prepaid plan for 5GB data, unlimited SMS & 100 mobile minutes, and, the 3-in-1 Sim card is (was) free again.
Where are their overseas trips landing them - FT's are reporting good success with the free roaming data all over under T-Mo and not paying extra, try doing that under the "Can you hear me now" banner