Wireless phones... opinions please

[Ozz]

We have had Nextel phones for 10? years, we use the 'direct connect' feature in the business, really has worked well, but Sprint bought Nextel and everything has slipped downhill for us. They sent us new phones, changing over tower service to Sprint or something, the new phones won't hold a charge, the 'direct connect' doesn't work well, the reception of the phones is poor, so... we need suggestions.
#1. I would like to not sign a contract, even if we have to buy the new phones.
#2. I guess we need to keep in mind Internet service while on the road and in Tonopah in the winter.
#3. ABS

anything but Sprint....

[kdeiss]

I have just switched from Verizon with contract to GO Phone (ATT)Basic phone $15.00 at Radio Shack
Very simple 10 Cents a min can add min on line, Radio Shack, ATT store

Works for us when we are at Home in FL in the winter very seldom use cell phone I was getting a monthly phone bill and used 10 Min's a Month

So far 3 Months working well

[Parts Ed]

That looks like Rich FAA's phone that he and wife are given at the house of mouse when they are down there.

[racerjoe]

we have always had good luck with verizon service,but how is the signal strength where you are? and also where you travel.

[1retired06]

We have traveled across the states, and only recall couple of times, verizon could not hit a footprint, but not the cheapest around. We have stuck with verizon because of the dependability, both for voice and data.

[Parts Ed]

Wife is on Sprint (because of work), but the rest of our house in on Verizon. Really like Verizon and their customer service (to us) is very good. But we will be switching to Sprint once our contract is up with Verizon next year as we can get a better rate plan thru Sprint and the wifes work.

[rollie41]

Look here http://www.millenicom.com/ at Millenicom. They have a verity of plans from several carriers with no contract.

[Ozz]

Thanks for the input, I will do my research.

[Champ_49]

Ozz, we also had Nextel and loved the two way. Don't understand why more companies don't go that way. That being said we headed south and found we had no signal more than having signal with Nextel. We ended up with Verizon for the coverage but deffinately not the cost. Verizon in my book is way to expensive. But, they provide the service and probably why they cost more. But use Mellinicom for our internet. Great rate for 20G of service.

Dave

[Ozz]

Thanks Dave.

[deadeye]

Ozz:
Daughter lives over a few miles from the race track in K.C. and they also dropped Sprint for various reasons. I don't know what they went to but they just were not getting the coverage that they needed. Plus they were suppose to be protected from solicitors and that wasn't happening. I myself use U.S. Cellular. I have had excellant results in all parts of the U.S. as far as reception goes. Been with them 12 years and holding. Free phones on my program.....JB

[Ozz]

Jack, Our phones used to be good.. but now they are not, your daughter bailed probably for some of the same reasons we are unhappy I imagine. I will look into U.S. also.
Thanks.

[stiles watson]

In 5 years, I have had a few places where Verizon has had weak or marginal service. In general, Verizon has provided excellent coverage across the USA, east-west, north-south. There are a few dead zones around where no one gives service. I also use the MIFI (hot spot) for internet service through Verizon.

[BB_TX]

Like many others we have Verizon and have been very happy with it, in spite of the costs. Rare to find a place without coverage.
Had AT&T for years but dropped them due to poor customer service.

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by Champ_49

Ozz, we also had Nextel and loved the two way. Don't understand why more companies don't go that way. That being said we headed south and found we had no signal more than having signal with Nextel. We ended up with Verizon for the coverage but deffinately not the cost. Verizon in my book is way to expensive. But, they provide the service and probably why they cost more. But use Mellinicom for our internet. Great rate for 20G of service.

Dave

Ozz it's times two for us on this. Used to have US Cellular/Alltell and had coverage issues. Couldn't afford Verizon for the internet when we could use their system with Millinicom for a lot less money.

[stiles watson]

I don't know if Millinicom has a MIFI device, but mine takes up to 10 devices. So I have 2 computers, 2 Nooks, and a wireless printer connected now with space for 5 more. This goes for $50 per month.

[Ozz]

Good options, I am collecting all the info, it is helpful, thanks.

[richfaa]

quote:Originally posted by Parts Ed

That looks like Rich FAA's phone that he and wife are given at the house of mouse when they are down there.

A mouse phone.They have something similar.

We also have had Verizon both cell and air card for several years. Don't know if it is the cheapest around but we have had excellent and reliable service all over the country. Normally if we have no service..nobody does. Just got the droid charge.Should learn how to use it in a few months.

[TAKPAK]

Ozz, we have had Consumer Cellular for years. They use the AT&T network, which I have had no problem with. NO contracts, and a 30 day money back satisfaction policy. Also, if you are a Good Sam or an AARP member, you get a discount. Plans and phones are basic, and VERY reasonable. You can also have a "shared minutes plan" which we do. Again, have had them for years, with NO problems. www.consumercellular.com

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by stiles watson

I don't know if Millinicom has a MIFI device, but mine takes up to 10 devices. So I have 2 computers, 2 Nooks, and a wireless printer connected now with space for 5 more. This goes for $50 per month.

Millinicom does have a mifi plan with less gigs than we have on our plan. We use the 20g usb device hooked to a cradle point router and run as many computers as we want.