I have Sprint right now and my contract just expired. I was thinking about upgrading my phone but there's a $36 activation fee!

I might as well switch providers... so... I was thinking about Cingular. The KRZR that's coming looks like a nice phone. Plus I like how you can just swap SIM cards when you want to change a phone.

Anyways, I'd like some opinions on which company has better service before I make a decision. Thanks!

 

In the Chicago area you are going to get the best service from the "old-school" cellular providers. Back in the day they were Ameritech and Cellular 1.

Ameritech was bought out by SBC, but sold the Chicago market to MCI which became Verizon.

SBC already owned Cell1. And recently they formed a joint venture with AT&T which became Cingular.

EVERY other carrier in the area, Sprint, the old AT&T, US Cellular, or whoever else are PCS lisences and generally they resell off of the one of the major providers networks.

The bottom line is you will generally get the best service from either Cingular or Verizon.

I have had Verizon for a LOOOOOOONG time and have been way more than happy with the coverage and service. I almost NEVER have dropped calls, and have coverage nearly everywhere I have ever been.

So between Sprint and Cingular, I would vote for Cingular hands down. However, given a broader choice I would go with Verizon.

BTW -- My Mom just retired from Ameritech Paging, My sister works for Cingular, my other sister works for US Cellular and my Brother-in-law works for Verizon. So in general, I have no "brand" loyalty to any one service based on who I know.

 

You can waive that $36 activation fee! I recently renewed my contract with Sprint and after doing so I called them up and kindly asked for it to be waived.

As far as SIM cards, Cingular or TMobile would work best. But I think Tmobile has better/cooler looking phones. However, Tmobile charges an arm and a leg and their services aren't all that great.

On contrary, Verizon service has the best reception. You can't go wrong with them. But as far as plans go, Sprint I think is the most inexpensive. I'm with Sprint as well and with the nights starting at 7pm and plans with 400 minutes for $40 and every additional 30 minutes is $5, you can't find a better deal, IMO.

On another note, Sprint provides excellent customer service which is important. I couldn't be more happier with any other carrier.

Good luck searching for a new carrier. It can be a PITA sometimes.

 

and sprint is cheap(est). 1000 min starting @ 7pm, unlim N&W, unlim in-carrier calls, no roaming, free LD, $50 - 10% off.

 

T-mobile sucks, dropped my calls every 5 minutes. switched to cingular and couldnt be happier. they are more expensive i think, but i've never had an issue. it's been about ten months now, and absolutely no complaints to share about them. cust service is very good too, the screen on my phone got dust in it and they replaced it under warrenty for no charge, even shipping. GL with the switch if you decide to.

 

I should switch mine too.. i have T-mobile but i hate it!

 

I think I'm going to switch to Cingular. Mainly because my girlfriend has Cingular and she's eating up my minutes. Thank you for the info guys.

I'll take reuxp67's word for it on the reception. I also have a couple friends who have Cingular and they like it. Wish me luck!