Verizon vs. ATT? (iPhone)

[y4m]

We're eligible for upgrades and not under contract. Currently we're with AT&T, which everyone else in our family uses (so nice to not use minutes calling them). We are also grandfathered in to unlimited data with AT&T.

But both our phone reception and data services kind of suck here in DC. Is Verizon enough better that it makes it worth giving up free calling to family and unlimited data (these things are nice, but our historic usage suggests that our bills would be the same without them, at least right now).

[Deleted]

I only remember the old Verizon, back about ten plus years ago, and I hated them. Horrible customer service, terrible coverage (where I lived).

When DH and I decided to get the new iPhones, I looked into the data sharing options (family share, I think they call it), even though I was grandfathered into the old data plan. Turns out I could get 4gb of data and unlimited minutes to share between us, including the free ability to use the phone as a hot spot through AT&T. I hadn't been using a lot of data (maybe 1/3 a gb/month) so we figured cancel the old data plan and share the 4gbs, and it's costing us $12 more per month to cover both phones - DH is a convert to a smartphone from an oooold clamshell. For us it was a good deal.

I'd suggest you go to your local stores (for all your options) and see what they suggest based on your usage. Go to the one you're signed with now first so you can ascertain how much data you use or need. GL!!

[jigsy]

I'm so done with AT&T out here. You'd think you'd at least have awesome reception right on the city, but no, I'm currently working on the hill, and half the time I have no signal, WTF!
I'm switching to sprint when the iPhone5 comes out. Still want that unlimited data

[Susie]

When I was in that position last year, I jumped ship from AT&T to Verizon to get my 4s. I gave up "unlimited" data at AT&T, but meh... at the time they were throttling users who used more than that. (Are they still?) I don't use more than 2 gb/month anyway, since I spend most of my time in places w/ wifi. I never use up my minutes, either. I guess I gave up rollover of those, but again, it hasn't cost us anything.

In the pro-Verizon column, Verizon offers us a discount on Calvin's line because of his employer, and they don't drop calls like AT&T did. That alone was worth the switch.

[Deleted]

I like ATT. I like being able to surf the web when talking on the phone (useful in my car, when I am on the phone on bluetooth as a passenger. Or if I am on a conference call and not at work. etc etc)

I know yesterday the discussion was if you go to Europe, not all VZ phones are compatible, but I guess if you are getting the 5, thats not an issue. But my 3G from ATT even worked in Europe back in 2008.

I also negotiated a really sweet package with ATT, but that was by threatening to leave when I was out of contract. That may help you if you are. (ETA- I see you are. Threaten to leave! I seriously shaved off $25 or $30 a month and got MORE stuff)

I am also grandfathered in unlimited data, so until they get rid of that, I really can't leave.

Service is about the same for DH and I (he has a Verizon droid) where we live, but some areas he gets better reception, and some I get better. Its a crap shoot in some metropolitan areas.

[Deleted]

I don't know about DC, but I know that in my area AT&T has horrible coverage.

I have the unlimited data on my current phone with Verizon, but as soon as I upgrade they will make me choose one of the new plans. I looked at my GB usage and I never even use 1 per month, so I'm not worried about it. I used a bit more when I tethered (illegally...) though.

[luvmagoldn]

Verizon coverage is better in DC/NoVa. AT&T still has random areas where calls drop which pisses me off.

We are grandfathered on the AT&T data as well so we have not switched.