With the ever-expanding scope of technology, cell phones have become a necessity, especially for a college student.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are the three largest cell phone networks available in the United States and always make claims that they are the best.
BC student Donald Glenn explained that his cell phone service is with Verizon Wireless and that he generally likes it.
“I always have reception wherever I go,” said Glenn, “and Verizon stores are huge. I can make a payment in a machine on the side, or if I’m having problems with my phone, they have a little area for that. It’s like a department store for phones.”
Glenn explained that the only thing he doesn’t like about Verizon is that “they don’t have cool phones. They’ll come out with one every once in a while.”
Glenn explained that he wanted to get the iPhone, which is only available through AT&T for the time being, but decided not to switch because Verizon is coming out with a new phone. On average, Glenn pays about $80 dollars per month for his service.
Verizon Wireless is known for being the only major carrier with a 30-day network test-drive pledge that pays for calls if a customer isn’t satisfied and switches to another carrier. Verizon Wireless was also named “Best Wireless Service Provider in the World” by Business Traveler magazine in 2006, according to the Verizon Wireless official website.
T-Mobile is a newer phone service that became available in the United States in 2002. According to the T-Mobile website, T-Mobile is committed to “help you stick together with the people who make your life come alive.”
BC student Tiffany Bahena explained she does not like service with T-mobile, and that she chose that company because they had the Sidekick, a phone that has a swivel screen and looks like a mini laptop. “I get dropped calls and my phone always freezes,” said Bahena.
Bahena believes that in order for T-Mobile to be a better service, they “should improve reception.”
Bahena said she pays about $60 per month for her wireless service.
T-Mobile may not score high with Bahena, but the company continuously receives the highest ranking in Wireless Customer Care by J.D. Power and Associates and offers limited-edition versions of Sidekick: Juicy Couture and Mister Cartoon which bring customers into the company.
BC student Leslie Hernandez is committed to AT&T Wireless, formerly Cingular Wireless, as she explained that she likes the reception she gets and never has dropped calls.
Hernandez also explained that she doesn’t really have a problem with the service provided by AT&T, but more with the pricing plans.
“AT&T should get better plans and better rates for the Internet service provided, it’s really expensive,” said Hernandez. On average, her bill is $110 to $120 per month.
According to the official AT&T website, AT&T has the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community with 62 million people and also offers Rollover, an exclusive offer on wireless plans that allows customers to keep their unused anytime minutes from month to month.