AT$T tells me I'd be better off with T-Mobile

[TuckBodi]

Yep, that's right, after a long conversation with an AT$T CSR about my worsening network woes, the nice gentleman told me in all honesty, I'd probably be better off using my 2G iPhone with T-Mobile.

A little background:

1) I bought my first iPhone the day it came out. At my house (where I work) I would get 3 bars. Not totally ecstatic about that as I came from T-Mobile with 5 bars, I lived with it because the iPhone was so fantastic.

2) A little over a year ago, when AT$T rolled out their 3G network, I dropped to 2 bars. I called to complain and all the reps denied it was anything to do with their network. But then a month later, one of their VP's, came out and said their network was overwhelmed with the popularity of the iPhone, but would be getting better. It didn't.

3) Then about 2 months ago I took another hit and went to one bar and many dropped calls and "Searching..." I called and complained again and this time they said it was me, my trees, Apple's fault, my phone and anything else but their network. They insisted my network was excellent and needed to try another phone, to prove to them wrong. So I went into Apple and they graciously swapped out my phone (with 4 days remaining on my warranty BTW) to prove to AT$T it wasn't their phone. I got home and yup, still one bar and now several weeks later I swear I'm getting even more dropped calls than ever.

So I called into AT$T for the hundredth time and after a long conversation with yet another rep, he finally agreed it was their network (especially since the new phone had the same issues), and his assumption was the 2G side probably won't be getting better (they're concentrating on their 3G) and since I had good success with T-Mobile before, I might be better going with them again (unlocking my phone of course). Amazing.

 

[jmann]

Haha nice. I love my iPhone on T-Mobile. Do it.

 

[TuckBodi]

Haha nice. I love my iPhone on T-Mobile. Do it.

So, other than losing Visual Voicemail (which I really like), what other repercussions are there? I'm also debating if I should wait a year and see if Apple bolts and goes with Verizon.

 

[jmann]

Well don't get your hopes up for Verizon, but T-Mobile is launching visual voicemail service, and once they do I'm sure you can just enter the APN info and it should work (I hope ). And the whole Edge-only thing sorta sucks. My T-Mobile internet is pretty slow, but at least it's usable.

 

[SFStateStudent]

Yup, T-Mobile is looking pretty good. I'm wondering when their 3G will kick-in with more coverage or just some coverage?

They have a disclaimer about any device not sold by T-Mobile, may not operate on their 3G....

 

[AbSoluTc]

The whole AT$T thing is pretty ingenious.

 

[Small White Car]

Amazing.

What's amazing?

I don't understand this post. You get poor coverage with AT&T so you're going to use another carrier.

Seems like common sense to me. Why did you have to call AT&T a dozen times before you did this? You were waiting for permission or something?

 

[AbSoluTc]

What's amazing?

I don't understand this post. You get poor coverage with AT&T so you're going to use another carrier.

Seems like common sense to me. Why did you have to call AT&T a dozen times before you did this? You were waiting for permission or something?

Because it's all the rage to hate on AT&T.

 

[TuckBodi]

What's amazing?

I don't understand this post. You get poor coverage with AT&T so you're going to use another carrier.

Seems like common sense to me. Why did you have to call AT&T a dozen times before you did this? You were waiting for permission or something?

Huh? It's amazing because how they can get away with lying like they do and Apple doesn't bail on them or do anything about it. I also found it amazing that after going all the way to tier 3, and being told no one else complains about their network coverage or that their coverage maps shows I should have great coverage in my area, that a CSR finally did say they're having some issues with their 2G network. Another thing I find amazing is they keep telling me my network will be getting better, but it doesn't, and in fact keeps getting worse. I call in to tell them it's headed in the opposite direction so they have a record of it. Maybe if more people would do this then their TV ads of "More Bars in More Places" would be the truth and not lies.

As far as switching, my contract just ran out and I've been waiting for that to happen, but I'm also concerned about losing Visual Voicemail. I have also been hoping Apple would announce they're bailing on AT$T. Don't think I can wait though.

 

[420-THC]

Yup, T-Mobile is looking pretty good. I'm wondering when their 3G will kick-in with more coverage or just some coverage?

They have a disclaimer about any device not sold by T-Mobile, may not operate on their 3G....

T-Mobile turned 3G on in my neck of the woods when the G1 came out 7+ months ago, the problem is that AT&T has different 3G frequency than T-mobile does so the best you could get would be edge

 

[firewood]

The solution very soon will be for AT&T to sell you a microcell (and, of course, pay for your own broadband, DSL or Cable, on top of your cell phone bill).

 

[Moi un Mouton]

You've got the 2G phone right?

I'd accept the CSR's advice and unlock it, it's really easy these days, and you should save a lot of money compared with the official iPhone contract.

Yes, you lose Visual Voicemail, but there are lots of compensations - you can add MMS once you're jailbroken, for example You can personalise it, add SMS alert tones, etc, etc

 

[spltngheadache]

You've got the 2G phone right?

I'd accept the CSR's advice and unlock it, it's really easy these days, and you should save a lot of money compared with the official iPhone contract.

Yes, you lose Visual Voicemail, but there are lots of compensations - you can add MMS once you're jailbroken, for example You can personalise it, add SMS alert tones, etc, etc

I agree. Also as an alternative to visual voicemail I recommend trying out YouMail.com. It's a carrier voicemail alternative and it's free. Best part is that they have an app in the app store that gives you the same visual voicemail functionality. The only caveat os you have to either listen to them with headphones or through the speaker. But other than that it's a worth alternative. The service also let's you set custom messages on a per caller basis, forward messages to email as mp3s etc. I've been using it for months and love it.

 

[maflynn]

So I called into AT$T for the hundredth time and after a long conversation with yet another rep, he finally agreed it was their network (especially since the new phone had the same issues), and his assumption was the 2G side probably won't be getting better (they're concentrating on their 3G) and since I had good success with T-Mobile before, I might be better going with them again (unlocking my phone of course). Amazing.

So what's wrong with that, its nice to see that ATT does have good customer support. I mean they're saying they can't help you and instead of continuing your frustration, why not just go back to t-mobile. The rep's honesty is a breath of fresh air.

 

[aristobrat]

Maybe if more people would do this then their TV ads of "More Bars in More Places" would be the truth and not lies.

Why? Do you honestly think it's feasible for every wireless network to try to cover 100% of everywhere?

Is it the truth that Verizon's coverage is so good everywhere, that every customer thinks there are 100 Verizon employees are following their every move, or is that ad a lie?

Surf over to HowardForums.com and you'll see posts just like yours (coverage isn't good, and the carrier's customer service won't admit it)... for every carrier out there.

IMO, 90% of coverage is based on "location, location, location". Specifically, your location. If AT&T sucks at your location, and T-Mobile is great, switch. Why you'd wait until a random AT&T rep tells you, I don't understand.

 

[avaloncourt]

2) A little over a year ago, when AT$T rolled out their 3G network, I dropped to 2 bars. I called to complain and all the reps denied it was anything to do with their network. But then a month later, one of their VP's, came out and said their network was overwhelmed with the popularity of the iPhone, but would be getting better. It didn't.

This part doesn't make any sense. More people on their network doesn't equal less signal strength. Too many people in an area don't suck up all the extra radio waves.

 

[pelicanflip]

Weigh your pros and cons with T-Mobile, and likewise with AT&T.

If you care more about the phone service, and AT&T is just not cutting it, then I'd switch to T-Mobile. As an added bonus, T-Mobile is much cheaper in terms of phone service, and not to mention, you will be able to jailbreak and unlock your 2G iPhone to use to your heart's content.


Or, if anything, maybe you can upgrade to a 3G iPhone or a 3GS. Maybe that will help resolve your issues.


Switch if you need to, not just because a rep recommended it.

 

[aristobrat]

This part doesn't make any sense. More people on their network doesn't equal less signal strength. Too many people in an area don't suck up all the extra radio waves.

AT&T did reassign some antennas and spectrum (on some towers) previously dedicated to 2G over to 3G, which could have caused some customers 2G signal to degrade.

 

[gloss]

The solution very soon will be for AT&T to sell you a microcell (and, of course, pay for your own broadband, DSL or Cable, on top of your cell phone bill).

Agreed. I'd wait for a Microcell.

 

[TuckBodi]

Why? Do you honestly think it's feasible for every wireless network to try to cover 100% of everywhere?

Surf over to HowardForums.com and you'll see posts just like yours (coverage isn't good, and the carrier's customer service won't admit it)... for every carrier out there.

IMO, 90% of coverage is based on "location, location, location". Specifically, your location. If AT&T sucks at your location, and T-Mobile is great, switch. Why you'd wait until a random AT&T rep tells you, I don't understand.

You just don't get it. What I'm complaining about is I used to have satisfactory coverage (3 bars) when I first got my phone. Then it dropped to 2 bars, I complained, they denied (they lied) about any issues, and then about a year later it dropped to 1 bar. During this time I was still stuck in a *contract* which they expected me to pay and I expected at least 3 bars of coverage, if not better, because they brag they're building out their network (3G of course).

Agreed. I'd wait for a Microcell.

Microcell is for the 3G phone (I have a 2G) and will most likely cost an arm and a leg when initially rolled out. I refuse to pay the extra 3G data "tax" of what..$15 and I will probably not be able to afford microcell as well.

This part doesn't make any sense. More people on their network doesn't equal less signal strength. Too many people in an area don't suck up all the extra radio waves.

Huh? Well the following does..

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10132257-233.html?tag=mncol

http://www.iphonealley.com/news/atampt-3g-network-upgrades-weakening-edge-network

http://blogs.computerworld.com/tech...at_at_t_service_failures?source=rss_weintraub
(Michael Jennings comment on July 20, 2009 - 4:42 A.M.)

 

[samcraig]

If AT&T was truly "AT$T" as you put it - they would never suggest moving to another network. So ultimately, they are providing the very best customer service to you that they can in suggesting alternatives. This is just an I Hate AT&T ranting thread. Even when they try and help, some are never satisfied.

 

[ucfgrad93]

So what's wrong with that, its nice to see that ATT does have good customer support. I mean they're saying they can't help you and instead of continuing your frustration, why not just go back to t-mobile. The rep's honesty is a breath of fresh air.

If AT&T was truly "AT$T" as you put it - they would never suggest moving to another network. So ultimately, they are providing the very best customer service to you that they can in suggesting alternatives. This is just an I Hate AT&T ranting thread. Even when they try and help, some are never satisfied.

Agreed. If you don't have adequate coverage with at&t then you would be foolish not to change.

 

[Vegastouch]

Yep, that's right, after a long conversation with an AT$T CSR about my worsening network woes, the nice gentleman told me in all honesty, I'd probably be better off using my 2G iPhone with T-Mobile.

A little background:

1) I bought my first iPhone the day it came out. At my house (where I work) I would get 3 bars. Not totally ecstatic about that as I came from T-Mobile with 5 bars, I lived with it because the iPhone was so fantastic.

2) A little over a year ago, when AT$T rolled out their 3G network, I dropped to 2 bars. I called to complain and all the reps denied it was anything to do with their network. But then a month later, one of their VP's, came out and said their network was overwhelmed with the popularity of the iPhone, but would be getting better. It didn't.

3) Then about 2 months ago I took another hit and went to one bar and many dropped calls and "Searching..." I called and complained again and this time they said it was me, my trees, Apple's fault, my phone and anything else but their network. They insisted my network was excellent and needed to try another phone, to prove to them wrong. So I went into Apple and they graciously swapped out my phone (with 4 days remaining on my warranty BTW) to prove to AT$T it wasn't their phone. I got home and yup, still one bar and now several weeks later I swear I'm getting even more dropped calls than ever.

So I called into AT$T for the hundredth time and after a long conversation with yet another rep, he finally agreed it was their network (especially since the new phone had the same issues), and his assumption was the 2G side probably won't be getting better (they're concentrating on their 3G) and since I had good success with T-Mobile before, I might be better going with them again (unlocking my phone of course). Amazing.

I have had T-Mobile for 6 or 7 years. Recently my Daughter got an iPhone on her boyfriends plan and where they live they have a weak signal but she said when she had T-Mobile, she never dropped calls even with one bar but with AT&T her calls get dropped all the time. She has only had AT&T for a month and she already hates them......LOL

But i will say i have a hard time getting a signal on my iPhone at her place. When i get one it is fine but i lose it at times.

 

[TuckBodi]

If AT&T was truly "AT$T" as you put it - they would never suggest moving to another network. So ultimately, they are providing the very best customer service to you that they can in suggesting alternatives.

Actually, I think the rep, after seeing all the notes and the troubles I've had, and probably knowing (but not telling) that my situation would never get any better, was forthright and honest in telling me I'd be better off going elsewhere. There were other reps and tier 1 - 3 techs who would out-and-out either lie or blew a lot of smoke saying their network was not the issue. One out of fifteen...yeah good service...

This is just an I Hate AT&T ranting thread. Even when they try and help, some are never satisfied.

You are absolutely right. I hate AT$T for the poor service and higher cost and especially for throwing those commercials in my face every time I turn around. Now you wouldn't be an AT$T troll paid to go out on forums to defend them now are you? Because you see, I wasn't complaining about them or calling in service calls when I had 3 bars. It was when it dropped to 2 bars and then to barely 1 bar when I really got upset since they really make sure I pay my bill each month. I feel if I'm paying for something under contract, then both sides should abide by it.

And don't get me going on the 2 hour to 24 hour delay on voicemail problems I've been having with them as well....

 

[samcraig]

Actually, I think the rep, after seeing all the notes and the troubles I've had, and probably knowing (but not telling) that my situation would never get any better, was forthright and honest in telling me I'd be better off going elsewhere. There were other reps and tier 1 - 3 techs who would out-and-out either lie or blew a lot of smoke saying their network was not the issue. One out of fifteen...yeah good service...



You are absolutely right. I hate AT$T for the poor service and higher cost and especially for throwing those commercials in my face every time I turn around. Now you wouldn't be an AT$T troll paid to go out on forums to defend them now are you? Because you see, I wasn't complaining about them or calling in service calls when I had 3 bars. It was when it dropped to 2 bars and then to barely 1 bar when I really got upset since they really make sure I pay my bill each month. I feel if I'm paying for something under contract, then both sides should abide by it.

And don't get me going on the 2 hour to 24 hour delay on voicemail problems I've been having with them as well....

Oh yeah. You got me. I'm an AT&T troll. It couldn't just be that I think logically and post rationally could it. Clearly *I* have the agenda. (SARCASM)

Who cares what other reps say. The rep you spoke to last said you'd be better off with t-mobile. Who cares WHY he even said it. The point is - he gave you useful advice. Accept it and move on.

At least you're honest in admitting that it wouldn't matter what AT&T did - you'd still hate them.