Cingular vs. Sprint
Oct 9, 2005 | 9:33 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,847
Originally Posted by vincom
-easiest upgrade option - new phone at contract activation price every 9 months - only extends contracts does not start a new one.
Oct 9, 2005 | 11:03 pm
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 47,144
my two cents
been with sprint for years - their signal quality in most areas is excellent, sound quality is the best I have used, and I can roam off their network when in rural areas (extra charge, or pay $5/m for no charge roaming)
however, sprint's customer service is, well, lacking. As long as I don't need to talk to them, I am fine.
Then again, nothing compares to Cingular. This is bar none the worst company you could imagine. Their signal is weak, voice quality is poor outside certain urban environments, and their customer service couldn't even be described here without me violating FT TOS. I had them for a 30 day trial through my employer and dumped them as fast as I could.
When I called to cancel, the customer service 'person' said she needed to put me on hold while she checked my account - but she didn't actually put me on hold, she just put the phone down and I was able to listen to her personal phone conversation drone on for over 5 minutes (talking about family, kids, boyfriend, etc.) - after 5 minutes she returned with my account information and said she could not process my request and transfered me onto another department. This is only one example of the many types of conversations I had with them while trying to get my account setup. It was a complete nightmare from day one. Usually, I would just end up wasting 30 minutes of time while they transferred me from group to group trying to find someone who could answer the most basic question.
Depending on your international travel habits, I would recommend Sprint as the best choice for a domestic carrier.
however, sprint's customer service is, well, lacking. As long as I don't need to talk to them, I am fine.
Then again, nothing compares to Cingular. This is bar none the worst company you could imagine. Their signal is weak, voice quality is poor outside certain urban environments, and their customer service couldn't even be described here without me violating FT TOS. I had them for a 30 day trial through my employer and dumped them as fast as I could.
When I called to cancel, the customer service 'person' said she needed to put me on hold while she checked my account - but she didn't actually put me on hold, she just put the phone down and I was able to listen to her personal phone conversation drone on for over 5 minutes (talking about family, kids, boyfriend, etc.) - after 5 minutes she returned with my account information and said she could not process my request and transfered me onto another department. This is only one example of the many types of conversations I had with them while trying to get my account setup. It was a complete nightmare from day one. Usually, I would just end up wasting 30 minutes of time while they transferred me from group to group trying to find someone who could answer the most basic question.
Depending on your international travel habits, I would recommend Sprint as the best choice for a domestic carrier.
Oct 11, 2005 | 9:21 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Arizona USA
Programs: NetJets Marquis, Southwest Moo, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,652
I've had them all over the past two years. I live in AZ, work mainly in DFW, LAX,
SFO, SEA and SYD.
I don't go with a carrier for a free phone; I buy a good phone and am concerned only with good coverage and accurate billing. If billing is correct, there's no reason to contact customer service.
All Carriers' Customer Service Stinks!
Sprint - signal extremely poor in PHX, LAX. Major billing headaches from errors related to roaming. Can't use in SYD
Verizon - many dropped calls, spotty service coverage in PHX. Can't use in SYD
T-Mobile - spotty service everywhere except SYD
Cingular - Best coverage of the bunch, best data services of the bunch, no roaming charges. Great int'l rate program - get killer service in SYD at reasonable rates.
Have been carrying a Treo 650 since January with Cingular, haven't considered changing at all.
SFO, SEA and SYD.
I don't go with a carrier for a free phone; I buy a good phone and am concerned only with good coverage and accurate billing. If billing is correct, there's no reason to contact customer service.
All Carriers' Customer Service Stinks!
Sprint - signal extremely poor in PHX, LAX. Major billing headaches from errors related to roaming. Can't use in SYD
Verizon - many dropped calls, spotty service coverage in PHX. Can't use in SYD
T-Mobile - spotty service everywhere except SYD
Cingular - Best coverage of the bunch, best data services of the bunch, no roaming charges. Great int'l rate program - get killer service in SYD at reasonable rates.
Have been carrying a Treo 650 since January with Cingular, haven't considered changing at all.
Oct 12, 2005 | 9:21 am
#19
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: EWR (Wayne Township, NJ) and PHX
Programs: CO OnePass Plat and SPG - Plat, Marriott Plat (don't use -it's a comp), AmericaWest CP
Posts: 4,810
Originally Posted by JAaronT
Is this for real? If so, time for a new phone!
-Vincent
Oct 12, 2005 | 9:22 am
#20
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: EWR (Wayne Township, NJ) and PHX
Programs: CO OnePass Plat and SPG - Plat, Marriott Plat (don't use -it's a comp), AmericaWest CP
Posts: 4,810
Originally Posted by KevAZ
I've had them all over the past two years. I live in AZ, work mainly in DFW, LAX,
SFO, SEA and SYD.
I don't go with a carrier for a free phone; I buy a good phone and am concerned only with good coverage and accurate billing. If billing is correct, there's no reason to contact customer service.
All Carriers' Customer Service Stinks!
Sprint - signal extremely poor in PHX, LAX. Major billing headaches from errors related to roaming. Can't use in SYD
Verizon - many dropped calls, spotty service coverage in PHX. Can't use in SYD
T-Mobile - spotty service everywhere except SYD
Cingular - Best coverage of the bunch, best data services of the bunch, no roaming charges. Great int'l rate program - get killer service in SYD at reasonable rates.
Have been carrying a Treo 650 since January with Cingular, haven't considered changing at all.
SFO, SEA and SYD.
I don't go with a carrier for a free phone; I buy a good phone and am concerned only with good coverage and accurate billing. If billing is correct, there's no reason to contact customer service.
All Carriers' Customer Service Stinks!
Sprint - signal extremely poor in PHX, LAX. Major billing headaches from errors related to roaming. Can't use in SYD
Verizon - many dropped calls, spotty service coverage in PHX. Can't use in SYD
T-Mobile - spotty service everywhere except SYD
Cingular - Best coverage of the bunch, best data services of the bunch, no roaming charges. Great int'l rate program - get killer service in SYD at reasonable rates.
Have been carrying a Treo 650 since January with Cingular, haven't considered changing at all.
it helps to be associated with a Company discount so you get route to "business care" VS regular consumer care.
-Vincent
Oct 12, 2005 | 9:45 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: North America
Programs: FT Member #8119 F & J Free Agent
Posts: 6,557
Originally Posted by jaylenofan86
My girlfriend has Cingular, and that's where the bulk of the 5000 minutes is going to, so if I get Cingular, the bill would be cheaper.
If the bulk of your minutes is with your girlfriend, the mobile to mobile minutes are unlimited. I believe the rate for 900 anytime minutes is around $60.