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When I first started on AT&T 2 years ago, service was horrible.  I had so many dropped calls that when I called people back, they'd say "I know, you hate AT&T."

Service for me has improved greatly, mostly in South Lansing but throughout the Lansing area.  I virtually never had a dropped call in the last 6 months.  With improved antennas on the 4Sm things can only get better.

It's been reported that with the explosive popularity of the iPhone and then the iPad, and with streaming apps on those devices, it simply overwhelmed AT&T's network.  AT&T begged Apple to provide relief by limiting multimedia speeds and Steve Jobs refused.  It did a lot of damage to AT&T's reputation.

This CNET review offers some recent comparisons. http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-3504_7-389-2.html?tag=page;page I think Consumer Reports does the only national survey but the most recent is from January:  http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/phones-mobile-devices/cell-phones-services/cell-phone-service-buying-advice/cell-phone-service-cell-phone-services/cell-phone-service-cell-phone-services.htm 

/rich

On Sun, Dec 18, 2011 at 11:44 PM, Loren LaLonde <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
...  I never heard anyone complain more than the average AT&T customer except maybe T-Mobile users. I have no idea how other carriers are. But some give you a 30 day trial.  Take advantage of it to find out who gives you the best coverage.

Loren LaLonde

On Dec 18, 2011, at 11:36 PM, Loren LaLonde <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I recently went through a similar situation, and actually decided to wait on getting a smartphone of my own.  I have an iPod touch which handles all the functions I need (since I'm certainly not reading emails while on the road).  If I'm needed *right now,* someone will call me.  Oh, and I'm effectively stuck with Verizon since I spend a lot of time in Canada...  Which also limits data plan usefulness.
>
> With that disclaimer:  I do have a lot of experience evaluating smartphones through work.
>
> Although I will not suggest one platform over another, we know the battles.  It sounds to me like you're more interested in better coverage than AT&T.  Which I totally get, and justifiably should be the first consideration IMHO.  The iPhone has the flash issue, but otherwise is a well known, and pretty darn reliable setup.  Since Verizon and Sprint now have them, you'll really want to check your current usage and just pick a plan that matches what you do.  The iPhone is still sans 4G on all models though too.
>
> The android phones across the board give you flash, but they have their drawbacks.  Most Android phones give you less battery life, few or no OS updates (no new features),
>
> If you plan on using tethering, just go to Sprint now.
>
> Loren LaLonde
>
> On Dec 18, 2011, at 9:17 PM, "Charlot, Firmin" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Hello Fellow NAGers,
>> I am in need of some advise in choosing a new phone and I need your help.
>>
>> Currently I have an iPhone 3G which was wonderful when I first got it a number of years ago but now it ... Uh hmmm ... Well loosing its appeal - between dropped calls through AT&T and the lack of flash on the phone among other things, it's time for a change.  Sprint's service plans sound good but what would an alternative phone be?
>>
>> It would help me great if you could answer the following questions:
>> What type of phone do you have now?
>> Why did you decide to buy?
>> What's your favorite feature?
>> If you had to choose all over again, what phone would you go with and why?
>>
>> Thank you and goodnight.
>>
>> Firm.