Compare Wireless Companies

Top Wireless Companies include (in order of customers):

1. Verizon
2. AT&T
3. Sprint
4. T-Mobile
5. Everyone else

Choosing a wireless company. Consider the following parameters:

A. Networks. Two basic networks ... CDMA and GSM. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM; and Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. CDMA is strongest in the United States; whereas GSM is a stronger international standard. So, if you live in the US, and travel lots to Europe, then GSM is a good choice. On the other hand, if you live in the US and desire the strongest signal, less dropped calls, then CDMA would be a good choice.

B. Service Plans. Compare plans on which deal is best for you. On a positive note, the top 4 companies will allow you to switch plans, so if you guessed wrong, change is possible. Compare service plans based on your intent for the phone. I.e., do you plan to use the phone for texting, for talking, for internet access, for email, etc. When do you like to talk, many plans offer free weekends, or free after 7pm, etc. Lots of choices.

C. Phone Selection. Decision should be based on ease of use. If your intent on using a wireless phone is to talk, make sure you can hear the other party. Many phones with lots of features stink as a phone. Phone manufacturers haven't yet figured out how to add features without compromising basic services. Some do it better than others. For example, Samsung keeps trying, but never seems to get it right.

D. Customer Service. Hardly any of the top 4 companies have a clue of what customer service is. So, comparing wireless companies by customer service is a waste of time. One thing is for sure, none of the top 4 companies have local service. Each of these companies outsource service, and basically service is poor. So, when you compare wireless companies, pay close attention to Phone Selection ease of use. If you don't know how to use it, don't expect customer service to help.

E. Friends Input. One of the best parameters is a recommendation or suggestion from your friends or family. Word of mouth counts.

Once you decide, carefully read the service agreement. Not that you can do much about it. And, keep in mind that the top 4 companies have thought of everything which means that if you are dissatisfied, tough luck. One of the worst, in the author's opinion, is AT&T. It doesn't matter how you interpret an AT&T service agreement because AT&T simply doesn't care. In their opinion, they rule. For example, I tried one of their phones for two weeks, then returned it, got a receipt for the return; then several months later received a bill for the phone. Sent them the receipt, and they ignored it, and to this day continue to try to collect. If you must work with AT&T, be aware that this company uses questionable business practices.