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[NEWS] T-Mobile & Sprint merger is possible

http://www.businessinsider.com/t-mobile-usa-might-sell-to-sprint-2011-3
Saw this today and thought I'd share.
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I don't see how that merger would work. I personally don't like sprints coverage.
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First off, I highly doubt that the US gov't would let a merger like this go down.
Second, I wouldn't be surprised that IF it happened, they would stay as 2 separate companies at the consumer level, but connected via management. It just doesn't make sense for 1 company to offer both GSM and CDMA concurrently. Are they just going to start only taking on handsets that operate with both CDMA and GSM? I just don't find this likely.
I sure hope that this doesn't happen. CDMA really needs to die, and I personally have seen the light of GSM and of T-mobiles slightly more customer-friendly approach. More than likely because their subscriber numbers are dwindelling, but the fact that they openly offer no-contract plans, cheap plans, and are flexible on many different things, I just hope they stick around the way they are. I know this isn't the most profitable business model (but it is still profitable) compared to Verizon, but its one that is necessary for those of us who see the ridiculousness of what the other carriers are charging.
I don't want Sprint + T-mobile to turn into another Verizon. It will just give them more ability to start charging $110 for unlimited plans like Verizon and AT&T do. Choices are good! People like Verizon, and their service is great, but I like my money more than I like Verizon.

Sprint sucks. Tmo would die like nextel is this happened. And I would be ****ed having to run back to verizon
From my permarooted 1209mhz G2 with CM7 nightly 6

This has nothing to do with a single company implementing both GSM and CDMA. This is because SPRINT WANTS GSM, and tmobile already exists.
In upgrading to GSM, there are precisely two options; either implement it yourself (Canada/Belus), or buy one that's ready made.

dhkr234 said:
This has nothing to do with a single company implementing both GSM and CDMA. This is because SPRINT WANTS GSM, and tmobile already exists.
In upgrading to GSM, there are precisely two options; either implement it yourself (Canada/Belus), or buy one that's ready made.
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This is definitely interesting, but it makes sense. WiMAX sucks compared to the other technologies available, and GSM is just better overall too.

I read that an industry analyst said this is likely T-Mobile selling their towers to Sprint and Sprint leasing them back.
I dunno if I believe that either, but that seems more likely to me than a straight up merger.

martonikaj said:
First off, I highly doubt that the US gov't would let a merger like this go down.
Second, I wouldn't be surprised that IF it happened, they would stay as 2 separate companies at the consumer level, but connected via management. It just doesn't make sense for 1 company to offer both GSM and CDMA concurrently. Are they just going to start only taking on handsets that operate with both CDMA and GSM? I just don't find this likely.
I sure hope that this doesn't happen. CDMA really needs to die, and I personally have seen the light of GSM and of T-mobiles slightly more customer-friendly approach. More than likely because their subscriber numbers are dwindelling, but the fact that they openly offer no-contract plans, cheap plans, and are flexible on many different things, I just hope they stick around the way they are. I know this isn't the most profitable business model (but it is still profitable) compared to Verizon, but its one that is necessary for those of us who see the ridiculousness of what the other carriers are charging.
I don't want Sprint + T-mobile to turn into another Verizon. It will just give them more ability to start charging $110 for unlimited plans like Verizon and AT&T do. Choices are good! People like Verizon, and their service is great, but I like my money more than I like Verizon.
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What about Cingular and At&t? They were allowed to merge along with Sirius and XM... apparently the goverment doesn't care about monopolies. Excuse my spelling lol! Heck, at&t is back as mama bell. They were broken up but they're back now

sino8r said:
What about Cingular and At&t? They were allowed to merge along with Sirius and XM... apparently the goverment doesn't care about monopolies. Excuse my spelling lol! Heck, at&t is back as mama bell. They were broken up but they're back now
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True - any opposition from the gov quit when they took M$ to court and they realized that they had more money to spend on lawyers then the government could ever muster.
After this exon mobile merged, making the largest company ever known to man and there has never been a peep about monopoly since.
Since the government is pretty much funded by public enterprise at this point I wouldn't expect them to step in.
PS **** Sprint - they blow - the rumor before this one was that they were going to abandon all of their Clear 4G WiMax ancient bull**** and go to LTE ... so whatever

I've been a tmo customer for 10+ years (well, Omnipoint, voicestream and then T-Mo.) Overall, I've been pretty happy with them.
I was also a Sprint customer, briefly. There wasn't anything wrong with the service, the phone selection (for back then, pre smartphone) was OK, and they had coverage where I needed it.
However, it seems every bill, they messed something up and I had to spend 1-2 hours on hold and dealing with their crap customer service to get it fixed.
Every. Goddamn. Month.
That got old quick.
This was a while ago, perhaps things have changed, I don't know. I did swear "never again" when I finally gave up in disgust and cancelled.
I sincerely hope this doesn't happen.

I have been with T-Mobile over 14 years (Powertel, Voicestream, T-Mobile) and the only time I had issues was back in 2004 when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. They didn't have towers on the base, therefore no reception, but as soon as I drove off, full bars the whole way. If T-Mobile was to merge with AT&T, and AT&T be the dominate company, I'm gone!
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[Unrelated] AT&T to buy T-Mobile USA

Looks like #2 and #4 are going to merge. I guess the talk that Sprint might buyout T-Mobile didn't pan out. Looks like they will discontinue those ads where they make fun of AT&T's network.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fiw-att-deutsche-telecom-20110320,0,1733883.story

What does this mean for us?

This is the worst news I've ever heard lol

Jayavarman said:
What does this mean for us?
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nothing short term, but this could change the face of the u.s. wireless indusry.
also, already being discussed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12242001#post12242001

I definitely think the FCC will prevent it from happening, it would create a GSM monopoly in the US.

why would it matter if it was a gsm monopoly? there are still other carriers regardless, so i dont see it as being a monopoly. you can still buy gsm devices from anywhere and pop yuour sim card in and go if thats what the big deal about gsm is all about.

The problem with a GSM monopoly (or any monopoly really) is that it prevents competition, for instance people who travel frequently and therefore need a GSM handset are left with only one real option (sure there are Verizon and Sprint world phones but that is besides the point)

I blame T-Mobile Girl.

063_XOBX said:
The problem with a GSM monopoly (or any monopoly really) is that it prevents competition, for instance people who travel frequently and therefore need a GSM handset are left with only one real option (sure there are Verizon and Sprint world phones but that is besides the point)
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how does only having one gsm provider in the us prevent competition? there are still several other cell providers in the u.s. the reason you state one needs a gsm handset would be to be able to use it while traveling (im assuming you mean abroad) where you would use a local sim card any way. if your using att's minutes to talk over seas, you can do that with sprint and verizon too. they all have international roaming. not being able to use a phone overseas is not related at all to being a monopoly.

austin420 said:
how does only having one gsm provider in the us prevent competition? there are still several other cell providers in the u.s. the reason you state one needs a gsm handset would be to be able to use it while traveling (im assuming you mean abroad) where you would use a local sim card any way. if your using att's minutes to talk over seas, you can do that with sprint and verizon too. they all have international roaming. not being able to use a phone overseas is not related at all to being a monopoly.
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He's talking about in the broad sense. You had a choice in between AT&T and Tmobile which didn't have the best phones but had fair prices. Now that they're merged people are stuck with the high priced cheap phones without anyother choice for GSM carriers.
Sent From my CyanogenEpicMod 7G

This smells of a monopoly. 3 real major wireless carriers left in the US. It would be like the oil industry. They dont have to buy each other up. They can raise the prices on everyone now and who you going to complain to. They can also slow progress on any new developments in the wireless phone industry. Has anyone given this any thought. Just look at the history of all industry in the United States. There have been monopolies and just a couple of companies left in this country. They always do what they wanted to the consumer.

tmobile had cheap phones? odd and and here i thought half their lineup was android... stupid smartphones...

Alright I think finally there are enough threads on this.
Sent from my Incredible with the XDA Premium App.

So who is gonna release Google experience devices now? AT&T? I doubt it.

muyoso said:
So who is gonna release Google experience devices now? AT&T? I doubt it.
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I'm holding out hope Verizon will eventually release even just ONE.
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This is kinda like Intel and AMD. They're the only two major CPU players left. Now if AMD dies off then we'd all be screwed but I doubt it'll ever happen since AMD always have few aces up their sleeve.
Now AT&T bought out T-Mobile will be the only GSM player in this country but this time it's a little different. Far as FCC and SEC are concerned it's not monopoly. We still have choices of different carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. I know the latter two don't offer GSM but it doesn't matter much since GSM will eventually be going away and replaced with new standards in a few short years anyway.
Now with so many ticked off T-Mobile users I wouldn't be surprised they will switch to either Verizon or Sprint soon. So basically AT&T just wasted a pileload of cash for nothing. Great business sense they've made. So instead of spending money on improving their network they just buy out the competiton.
AT&T's way of doing things belong in the dinosaurs age and we all know what happened to that.
Darkk

muyoso said:
So who is gonna release Google experience devices now? AT&T? I doubt it.
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This is where Sprint should step up their game (and many more places) and release a Google dev/experience device.

We are so screwed!!!!
Darkk69 said:
This is kinda like Intel and AMD. They're the only two major CPU players left. Now if AMD dies off then we'd all be screwed but I doubt it'll ever happen since AMD always have few aces up their sleeve.
Now AT&T bought out T-Mobile will be the only GSM player in this country but this time it's a little different. Far as FCC and SEC are concerned it's not monopoly. We still have choices of different carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. I know the latter two don't offer GSM but it doesn't matter much since GSM will eventually be going away and replaced with new standards in a few short years anyway.
Now with so many ticked off T-Mobile users I wouldn't be surprised they will switch to either Verizon or Sprint soon. So basically AT&T just wasted a pileload of cash for nothing. Great business sense they've made. So instead of spending money on improving their network they just buy out the competiton.
AT&T's way of doing things belong in the dinosaurs age and we all know what happened to that.
Darkk
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FCC and SEC won't do anything anyways because our government sold the people out along time ago. I don't think they would even stop a Vezion, Sprint and A.T&T merge however improbable that may seem. They would let it happen. This is really bad news. I was hoping to goto T-mobile if sprint started raising there prices. Maybe that is why A.T&T decided to restrict their internet because if people did decide to change carriers they would be stuck with A.T&T. This is a good move for A.T&T and now they can boost they have the fastest 4G network and Sprint will have the slowest 4G network.

Darkk69 said:
Now AT&T bought out T-Mobile will be the only GSM player in this country but this time it's a little different. Far as FCC and SEC are concerned it's not monopoly. We still have choices of different carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. I know the latter two don't offer GSM but it doesn't matter much since GSM will eventually be going away and replaced with new standards in a few short years anyway.
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Are you sure about that because I was under the impression that non GSM services were the odd ones out?
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AT&T set to aquire T-mobile for $39 billion

I've been a T-Mobile customer for seven or eight years now and have never regretted a moment of it. These people have always gone above and beyond to make me feel like I was worth something to them as a customer and a person. I haven't had to contact them often, but when I did, I always knew I would hang up the phone with a smile on my face. T-Mobile US has one of the best customer service departments in the world in terms of customer satisfaction. If I were planning to commit suicide, I would probably call T-Mobile, since I know they would be able to talk me down.
On the flip side of this is AT&T, with whom I've had some of the worst customer service and just service in general in all of my life. I started out with my first cellular device through Cingular Wireless. I wouldn't say they were the best service (they were far from it), but most of my friends and family were on the network and it was in the early days of the talk for free within the network deals. AT&T came along a few years later and ruined any creditability Cingular Wireless had provided me. When the networks in my area finally were updated to EDGE through AT&T, I immediately began having problems with dropped calls and spastic data rates. Calling to complain about this service garnered me a generic response from them along the lines of "What do you want me to do about it?" The customer should not be the one who suggests that the cellular connection to the tower needs to be reset.
After a full year of waiting out my contract and the remainder of my patience with them, I began searching for an alternative solution. I narrowed down my list to All-Tel and T-Mobile for their outstanding customer service. T-Mobile won me over, since, at the time, I was using my HP iPAQ hw6945 (HTC Sable), and needed a GSM network. Since that day, I have constantly raved about their phenomenal customer service, support and network speed. I was also blown away by their astonishingly competitive pricing.
I am currently paying the same $50 for service that I was when I signed up initially. I have a plan consisting of 1000 minutes a month (unlimited for me), unlimited text, and unlimited data ($30+$10+$10). This data plan also includes tethering for free. I haven't been under a contract with them since the first year I was with them, as it was required. I have never been hassled about updating my terms of service, or anything of the sort. It has been one completely happy ride other than the spotty 3G coverage which has been growing rapidly.
With all of this considered, I must say that I am completely shocked and appalled that the company is being sold off to the only other GSM network in the country with a national footprint: AT&T. Though the transaction isn't completely finalized yet, I see no reason why the FCC would oppose this as the also let Verizon's "Net Neutrality" rules pass, even though they were completely one-sided.
Other than customer service from AT&T (or lack thereof, rather), this also presents yet another problem for the customers of T-Mobile: 4G. We will now be set to move into AT&T's field of using LTE instead of HSPA+ or WiMax for our 4G coverage. For those of you who don't already know, LTE is not the happy trail to the Internet you may think.
The LTE standard was designed with carriers in mind, not consumers. This means that the format allows carriers to control the content they show you. You will begin seeing tiered data plans with access to partial content coming soon as the networks expand. For example, if you decide to get the cheapest data plan, you will not only be limited in maximum data caps, but also certain things like YouTube may be filtered out of your service because you would have to pay extra for it. AT&T and Verizon have already come out and said that this will happen with services like Skype and YouTube. WiMax does none of this as it was intended to be an open format set up with end users in mind. HSPA+ simply doesn't support the concept.
Am I the only one concerned here? I think if this does go through, I'll be booking it over the Sprint. I am not fond of CDMA networks, but it's FAR better than the alternative.
Sources:
Lots of good LTE vs. WiMax links in this thread
AT&T/T-Mobile US acquisition details

AT&T is taking over T- Mobile.

Well said Cajunflavoredbob. I went through similar experiences that you speak of. Like I said in another thread, after AT&T stuck me hard, I vowed never to give them my business again. Now after hearing this news, I will end up eating my own words!
I have the Touch Pro2 (T-mobile brand) and I really like this phone, especially after the modified ROMs here on this site. I have no intention to get another phone. So now I have to wait until this deal gets finalized and then determine if keeping this phone is worth going through the headaches with AT&T all over again.

All plans will be grandfathered. Also better service coverage too, so I don't think it will be so bad. I hope we can use At&t frequency phones on a T-Mobile service.

We have so many threads about this topic.

Androidboy35961 said:
We have so many threads about this topic.
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Care to share which ones? I looked through this forum and hadn't found a single one talking about the acquisition. If I had, then I wouldn't have started this thread. If there are threads about it in other areas of the site, then there isn't much I can do about that as those threads would be in the wrong place. This thread was started to allow open general discussion of the subject. Obviously, if threads you may be referring to are in device specific forums, then not everyone is going to see them.

I don't know much about the world of mergers except I read that this one will take at least 12 months. Is this a done deal? Or is there something sufficiently monopolistic about it that could run into legal troubles?
Jake

jakfish said:
I don't know much about the world of mergers except I read that this one will take at least 12 months. Is this a done deal? Or is there something sufficiently monopolistic about it that could run into legal troubles?
Jake
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The deal could take up to a year to finalize if it is allowed. This acquisition would make AT&T the only nation wide GSM carrier. AT&T is also looking to acquire more radio spectrum from Qualcomm who had those FloTV things for a while that bombed. It still has a lot of red tape to go through, but, honestly, I doubt that it will run into much opposition unfortunately. The other downside to this is that we now know that DT is looking to offload T-Mobile US to the highest bidder. Before this, there was a rumor about Sprint trying to acquire the company. I doubt Sprint can afford the price tag on T-Mobile now that AT&T has set the bar. It is a loose-loose situation for T-Mobile customers. No matter what happens, Big Daddy is still putting up TMoUS for sale. The question now becomes, who will get it in the end?

if this goes through im going to Sprint because i hate AT&T AND dont like the idea of youtube being a premium service on Verizon. but isnt this deal like monopoly. i doubt the US government will allow this too happen without some legal troubles and a lot of money being payed to the government.

The only positive things I can see out of this, are that a) it's a true gsm marriage, which continues to maintain a world flavor to the phone and b) AT&T will have boatload of different bands: 1700, 2100, and whatever AT&T uses. That should free up 4G considerably.
Had T-Mobile and Sprint gotten together, I just can't see the CDMA-GSM thing. What were they going to use, half a sim card?
But I'm old enough to remember the bad AT&T days and can't feel that these will be any better.
Jake

AT&T is not that bad..lol

I have been with T-mobile since the company was Voicestream... Im hurt to see DT sell us out like this I hope google will outbid AT&T because I dont like any of the other cellular providers.

Androidboy35961 said:
AT&T is not that bad..lol
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I am very glad to hear someone speak well of AT&T, because my personal experience has not been good. I am convinced that CFB is dead-on with his assessment about why they purchased T-Mobile (his LTE argument). This is NOT even remotely good for the consumer.
I know only one person who has been happy with Sprint (out of dozens), but they seem to be the least restrictive which may force me to give them another try. But they'll probably have the same indoor reception issues Verizon has - CDMA doesn't penetrate walls as well as GSM does. It's kind of funny: we have two groups of people huddled outside the office doors - smokers and Verizons customers.

FWIW:
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03...es-but-will-consumers-see-the-benefit/?hpt=T2

jakfish said:
FWIW:
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03...es-but-will-consumers-see-the-benefit/?hpt=T2
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I read that this morning before leaving for work. It doesn't help to ease my tensions about the acquisition.

Given that it's a Republican, hence laissez faire, House, I can't see them stopping this merger, but the initial political chatter is very much against it. That could be nothing more than posturing for constituents, but for AT&T to take over 80% of the mobile market in one fell swoop, politicians are really going to have to look the other way.
They often do, however,
Jake

. The question now becomes said:
Well stated, and an apt analogy! That is as well the conundrum of the new prisoners at the state prison...
ATT will play the part of Bubba perfectly!
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Everybody needs to take a deep, deep breath and calm down. We're a two cellular carrier household; T-Mobile and AT&T. According to T-Mobile at their home page they addressed several questions one being our current devices and plans and they said they will honor them. For many of us who have been with T-Mobile for example were with two other companies in the SE USA - PowerTel and VoiceStream. It was no secret Deutsch TeleComm had been shopping T-Mobile USA around for quite some time and their statement reflects they will be concentrating with their business in the countries of Germany and other European countries. Current trends suggest AT&T has a 50-50 chance at obtaining T-Mobile USA; however their lobby in Washington is strong and there has been no hint from the Obama administration to curtail this merger as other big name mergers have yet to be turned down. There will be stipulations and this will be watched very carefully. Judging my the speed which this has moved in the past two days, much of the legwork prior to announcement seems to had been done well in advance. Whether we like it or not; we're at the whelm of these companies and they are going to do what is in their best interest and we're all along for the ride; we have a choice whether we like it or not, it's whether there are enough of us after the two companies merge.

jakfish said:
Given that it's a Republican, hence laissez faire, House, I can't see them stopping this merger, but the initial political chatter is very much against it. That could be nothing more than posturing for constituents, but for AT&T to take over 80% of the mobile market in one fell swoop, politicians are really going to have to look the other way.
They often do, however,
Jake
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It actually not on the Republicans this time. Democrats are the ones fighting for a nation-wide broadband network. This merger would be the basis for that goal. Our president has outlined this several times before. I would not be surprised in the least if AT&T becomes a monopoly...again. It's not that they would look the other way, it's more about will they allow it to happen to further their goal? I'm all for a national broadband infrastructure, but AT&T is NOT the way to achieve that.

SnittyKitty said:
Everybody needs to take a deep, deep breath and calm down. We're a two cellular carrier household; T-Mobile and AT&T. According to T-Mobile at their home page they addressed several questions one being our current devices and plans and they said they will honor them. For many of us who have been with T-Mobile for example were with two other companies in the SE USA - PowerTel and VoiceStream. It was no secret Deutsch TeleComm had been shopping T-Mobile USA around for quite some time and their statement reflects they will be concentrating with their business in the countries of Germany and other European countries. Current trends suggest AT&T has a 50-50 chance at obtaining T-Mobile USA; however their lobby in Washington is strong and there has been no hint from the Obama administration to curtail this merger as other big name mergers have yet to be turned down. There will be stipulations and this will be watched very carefully. Judging my the speed which this has moved in the past two days, much of the legwork prior to announcement seems to had been done well in advance. Whether we like it or not; we're at the whelm of these companies and they are going to do what is in their best interest and we're all along for the ride; we have a choice whether we like it or not, it's whether there are enough of us after the two companies merge.
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Well, more than anything, this is a financial move for DT. They get a payout no matter what happens. If the merger goes through, they will get an 8% stake in AT&T as well as a DT board member on AT&T's board of directors. Even if the deal falls through by some chance, T-Mobile gets $3 billion, a roaming agreement, and a hefty chunk of spectrum for AT&T, just for doing nothing. Either way, DT wins. No matter what, T-Mobile customers loose.

AT&T questions

Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
If some of you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts.
Thanks.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid

Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
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In this case, I'd say lower cost might be a factor. In most areas, Verizon has very good or at least reasonable service.
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
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AT&T has had and still has problems with dropped calls in major metro areas. I've used them personally and haven't had a very good experience with their network in NYC.
Their raw coverage isn't too bad, but I wasn't able to rely on them to have calls connect all the time and for consistently fast data. T-Mobile has less raw coverage in the US but where it does work it is very consistent (for the record, in 99% of the places where I've needed signal, T-Mobile does work fine. YMMV).
Having said all that, if AT&T works well for you in your area, then that is great. Stick with them if you are happy. With cell phone carriers what works well is always going to vary from region to region.

See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid

Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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I'm in the same boat. I've been with AT&T for some time and have had few problems with them from a technical standpoint. My biggest issue is more of how they segment their service offerings (i.e. charge extra to tether your phone even though you pay for a limited data plan) and how slow they are to approve/release upgrades to their handsets; Froyo was out for 6+ months before the official AT&T release on the captivate.

Some people might be more accepting of dropped calls but on T-Mobile dropped calls are an absolute rarity for me, whereas they were a regular expectation on AT&T.
I can understand the hatred toward AT&T. You have to realize that service for some period was just VERY bad in major metro areas. At one point in time it really just wasn't possible to make calls reliably or use data with any decent speed in NYC. Why? influx of iPhone users. Lately it has improved a bit but isn't great still.
if AT&T had put more money into their network to prepare for the usage things could have been better. You don't hear about carriers like Verizon or Sprint having too many issues with dropped calls due to an overloaded network. That's because they actually have invested in enough capacity to handle it. You could say AT&T experienced a lot higher growth than these, which is true to an extent, but Verizon's network pushes a LOT of calls and data every day and generally doesn't miss a beat in my experience. T-Mobile is about on par too here in NYC (though I understand they're not as strong in other areas).

See I understand that, but wouldn't you think that something like this merger would be a good thing?
Yes I understand that T-Mobile is currently cheaper than AT&T and yes I understand that if the merger goes thru that all current T-Mobile may be subject to pay a higher rate than they are used to but in that you will be getting all the benefits of the current T-Mobile service greatness you have now and you will be adding all the extra areas of service that you currently do not have that AT&T does. Isn't that worth a little more every month?
I thought so when I left and went to AT&T. I sacrificed cheaper rates for better coverage at a price and it is a price that I am glad to pay for.
Another thing that used to bug me when I was on T-Mobile was every high end device I would purchase would only work on Edge on T-Mobile and 3G on AT&T. Very unfair for someone who is willing to pay $400-$500 for a smartphone only to get Edge service because of who my carrier was. I will admit I was very happy with the innovations that T-Mobile was coming up with but unsatisfied with the end results.
Sorry for the rant. LOL
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid

As long as TMO has 3G (which may even be HSPA+ "4G") coverage in your area, then data service is generally pretty solid in my experience. Yes, sometimes it drops to 2G/EDGE, especially when indoors, but this is not common in Manhattan generally speaking.
I don't see the AT&T/TMO merger as a good thing because quite honestly the reason AT&T has poor service in a number of metro areas (and like I said, it used to be extremely bad) really comes down to poor business practices/management. They were the only carrier offering an iPhone and this was a highly sought after device. Even if their service quality was just OK at best in some areas many people were still flocking to them for the iPhone. It's clear that they knew this and took advantage of it. Now don't get me wrong they have put a lot of money into their network, but they could have handled this a hell of a lot better.
I also would prefer to keep my TMO service with crystal clear calls and fast data as it is. I don't need to use AT&T towers as I rarely if ever go to places where TMO doesn't have service and I especially don't want AT&T users creating congestion problems on the TMO towers.

I have to agree. I do think tho that AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time. That in itself could be the cause for HUGE data consumption by its users, especially those with iPhones. I still font see how adding more towers wouldn't help in coverage tho.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid

AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time
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T-Mobile's 3G network has always had this capability.
Basically, I just don't want my current T-Mobile service which is solid to be mixed with AT&T's service which isn't solid. In the simplest sense, when you mix something that's very good with something that's mediocre, you're going to get something in between. And that's what I don't want. I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.

gsvnet said:
I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.
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That is 100% true and I guess with me now being an AT&T customer, I reap all the benefits.
Wouldn't it be kinda nice to have just one network with great prices and all the towers and goodies? LOL
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I've have at&t for many years and still do now. I had T-Mobile for about the last 5 months. Seriously in my area AT&T can't be beat and only paying $50 with unlimited internet and unlimited txt msg and just 450min (way more then I need). One of the major problems is that in some states coverage for at&T is horrible and really I notice it also comes down to the phones/radio too. Like all compaies just depends on your area.

Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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One or two dropped calls per month or even a week? Maybe. But AT&T has (in NYC metro area including, Jersey City, NJ where I live) three, four, five even six dropped calls A DAY. That in my book is utterly unacceptable especially when you are paying the "premium"prices AT&T charges for sub-par below bargain basement cell and customer service. If you have had good experiences with AT&T, I'm genuinely happy for you. Just know that you are in a very small minority of people that feel that way. As for Verizon (in my experience) their service isn't any better or more consistent than the service I currently receive from T-Mobile while paying significantly less. (I should know I also pay my fathers/stepmothers Verizon bill each month and for roughly equivalent service their bill is much higher). I have Sprint for mobile broadband and their 4G service has decent speed and it's unlimited for 60$ a month. Their 3G is nothing to write home about imo. (t-mobile is almost 3x (comparing Sprints 4g to T-Mobiles "3.5g". I have both the N1 and NS neither of which are capable of the 14.4+ HSPA+ speeds T-Mobile has)faster though at least in, my area) this has been my experience.....
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)

Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html

How much does it cost to force a merger through? about 10k to each congressman/woman
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000000076&chamber=&party=&cycle=2010&state=&sort=A

Trv06kviper said:
Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html
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Right. But the N1 and the NS (my phones) are capped at 7.(something, too early) I didn't feel like repeating t mobiles recent (and current hspa + upgrade path).... Most people here should have read about this stuff) and technically, NONE of technologies used in the US are "true" 4G according to the ORIGINAL DEFINITION (they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)

(they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)
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They do a LOT of that lol

I honestly don't understand all the hate towards AT&T, BUT I live in NJ, which is a popular and congested area.. so AT&T probably has lots of data towers and such here
With my iPhone 4, I didn't really get that many dropped calls to be honest. The prices also are pretty good in my opinion.
Only problem is that sometimes the data speeds are uneven. I am also impressed with the LTE network Verizon has set up; freaking fast as hell.
I still prefer AT&T because of their prices though

As someone who worked for AT&T, got crapped on by AT&T, and was subsequently fired by AT&T for no reason, I'll be damned if I give their sub-par service one dime from my pocket.

JayXL14,
Try hanging out in NYC. Dropped calls galore on AT&T. has been for a few years now.
Never a problem with TMO.

I can't stand either AT&T and Verizon and firmly believe those two are involved in backroom price collusion. Disagree with me all you want, I believe it and you can't change my mind. That being said, I also believe Sprint and T-mobile are no angels either..... They all suck donkey @#$&s.
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)

Sprint files suit to stop AT&T / T-Mobile merger *update* At&t strikes back lol

Sprint files suit to stop AT&T / T-Mobile merger *update* At&t strikes back lol
Looks like the US government isn't the only party looking to stand in the way of AT&T's proposed acquisition of T-Mobile. Sprint today announced that it has filed suit in federal court in the District of Columbia against AT&T, Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile. The filing outlines the carrier's concern that the proposed deal would harm consumers, corporate customers and carriers (such as, you know, Sprint), while transforming AT&T-Mobile and Verizon into a "duopoly." Of course, this isn't the first time the carrier has let the world know that it's not particularly pumped about the whole proposal. See the full litigious press release after the break.
source:http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/sprint-files-suit-to-stop-atandt-t-mobile-merger/

AT&T fires back against Sprint over T-Mobile acquisition suit
Well, that didn't take long. Sprint today revealed that it has filed a suit against AT&T's proposed T-Mobile purchase -- and now AT&T is hitting back with some less than flattering words. An AT&T spokesperson told Engadget, "this simply demonstrates what we've said all along -- Sprint is more interested in protecting itself than it is in promoting competition that benefits consumers." AT&T went on to promise a "vigorous fight" and reiterated that such a merger would ultimately prove beneficial to the industry and consumers, improving wireless service and solving spectrum concerns.
Source:http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/atandt-fires-back-against-sprint-over-t-mobile-acquisition-suit/
**** getting real

auau465121 said:
Well, that didn't take long. Sprint today revealed that it has filed a suit against AT&T's proposed T-Mobile purchase -- and now AT&T is hitting back with some less than flattering words. An AT&T spokesperson told Engadget, "this simply demonstrates what we've said all along -- Sprint is more interested in protecting itself than it is in promoting competition that benefits consumers." AT&T went on to promise a "vigorous fight" and reiterated that such a merger would ultimately prove beneficial to the industry and consumers, improving wireless service and solving spectrum concerns.
Source:http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/atandt-fires-back-against-sprint-over-t-mobile-acquisition-suit/
**** getting real
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How does at&t buying tmobile promote competition?
I'll wait.

Lol I liked the idea putting the movie wedding Crasher on the title.screen.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

culua said:
Lol I liked the idea putting the movie wedding Crasher on the title.screen.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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yeah that had me laughing too

mattykinsx said:
How does at&t buying tmobile promote competition?
I'll wait.
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Ha! AT&T sucks ass and they know it! For example, when AT&T first got the IPhone, it overwhelmed their network. AT&T STILL hasn't learned from their mistake(s).
I would rather go prepaid than have AT&T has a sole GSM carrier.
Also, I think and heard that there is a petition floating around contesting the AT&T merger/buyout of TMobile.

mattykinsx said:
How does at&t buying tmobile promote competition?
I'll wait.
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I have had T-mobile before. I didn't mind it. Taking our choice down to 3 from 4 decreases the competition. I can't see how this is good for consumers. Only argument I can see is that merging the two means their coverages merge but me living in a major city don't have coverage problems with any carrier. But better coverage doesn't mean better for consumer because that means ATT can continue to charge their high prices with less alternative.

jessejames111981 said:
I have had T-mobile before. I didn't mind it. Taking our choice down to 3 from 4 decreases the competition. I can't see how this is good for consumers. Only argument I can see is that merging the two means their coverages merge but me living in a major city don't have coverage problems with any carrier. But better coverage doesn't mean better for consumer because that means ATT can continue to charge their high prices with less alternative.
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It's important to note...
Their coverage will not merge, they will improve though.
Due to rules to prevent monopolies they will likely have to sell off some of the acquired spectrum.
At&t will gain, and the gains will be noticeable, but they won't gain every subscriber/tower from T-mobile.
But that's obviously not the problem with this merger.
And I'm yet to hear one good reason why this merger is "promoting" competition.

AT&T just has some wack ass plan prices. T-Mobile are a bunch of morons. I was having problems with my signal & this guy kept telling me to use WiFi calling & i asked him if it had WiFi on the phone & he said I don't know. I knew there was no Wifi on the phone but i wanted to see how much this guy even knew about phone. He had a computer right in front of him with the make & model of the phone i was using & could not figure out if it had Wifi. I finally told him this kind of phone does not have Wifi & he said ok we will send you one that does have it. lol. T-Mobile cut my friends phone off because he was 1 day late paying his bill, PFFT. What a joke. I wish Sprint would have bought T-Mobile, Then everyone would be happy. Sprint is by far the BEST company! I hope Sprint does stop AT&T from buying T-Mobile then turns around & buys them. Hope Sprint also gets the NFL contract back, They should have never let that go.

AT&T knows that having less companies allows them to control a market that is a need for us consumers. By having more companies providing a service in communications allows the customer to have a choice, which eventually will help in the price of the service. Any company, regardless of service by having less competition allows them price their service to benefit them, not the consumer.

let att have it. if they dont buy it, dt is already saying that they would rather shut down t-mo and sell off its assets rather than spin it off and do an ipo. either way, were going down to 3 carriers.

austin420 said:
let att have it. if they dont buy it, dt is already saying that they would rather shut down t-mo and sell off its assets rather than spin it off and do an ipo. either way, were going down to 3 carriers.
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I'd rather that happen then have ma bell back.
Your cell phone bill with thank the U.S. government/Sprint as well.