Asheville, NC - Verizon vs. Sprint - Suggestions?

June 5, 2010 5:25 AM

Time to pick a cell provider. The big thing is that I use my Android phone for everything. I don't want a computer so the 3G needs to be good. It's between Verizon and Sprint because I know AT&T gets virtually no service. So I humbly ask of you, which one isn't lying on their coverage map?
posted by mrflibble to Technology (13 answers total)

I can't speak to your locale specifically. I offer anecdotally that Sprint's map in my area is pretty accurate. As an added bonus Sprint roams at no charge to you on Verizon's network. The only downside there is that if there is a tenuous Sprint signal your phone will attempt to hang on to a connection with the Sprint tower, which can be frustrating. Verizon is definitely stretching their coverage where I live.
posted by busboy789 at 6:32 AM on June 5, 2010

PC Magazine just did a meaningful survey of 3G quality. You don't care about the coverage map: AT&T would show up as the best by that metric. What you care about is consistency first, then speed. Suprisingly AT&T looks best in the Southeast region, but there's nothing specific to Asheville. Ask your friends.
posted by Nelson at 6:44 AM on June 5, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks for the input. Ill be moving there in a couple months and doing some of the research from afar.
posted by mrflibble at 7:40 AM on June 5, 2010

The big thing is that I use my Android phone for everything.

Are you planning to keep your current phone? If so, you should know that AT&T uses the GSM network standard, while Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. The different networks aren't compatible, so you need to know which one your phone supports. (Sorry if this is obvious.)
posted by teraflop at 8:34 AM on June 5, 2010

I had 5 good years with Sprint and only switched to Virgin Mobile (which is still Sprint) because I could save so much money.

I got to play with a friend's Sprint HTC Evo yesterday, and were I in your shoes, I would go with that phone so fast it would make your head spin.
posted by 4ster at 9:51 AM on June 5, 2010

I have had verizon since they became verizon. I live in Los Angeles and I am consistently impressed with the coverage. Not to say that I've never dropped a call, but I find it incredibly consistent. YMMV.
posted by Sophie1 at 10:14 AM on June 5, 2010

Repeating above, Sprint roams on Verizon's network. No extra roaming charge as long as you don't have a plan that sucks. You can also hack your cell profile to drop weaker signals quicker from preferred carriers and hop onto stronger roaming carriers. Well, you can do this on Windows Mobile by manipulating the phone's radio, so I assume the same is possible with Android.

If you are considering Sprint, get one of the "insider" plans:
Sprint Employee Referral Plan
The "all-in" cost for these plans (especially shared family plans) once you include the 'unlimited' Internet, texting, TV, etc is quite impressive compared with other US carriers. Especially if you are usig a "smartphone", because Sprint rarely adds extra per-device surcharges on to line charges.
posted by meehawl at 11:01 AM on June 5, 2010 [1 favorite]

It really depends on where you live. Where I live, AT&T gets better service than Verizon.
posted by dustoff at 2:25 PM on June 5, 2010

In most places I spend the bulk of my time, Verizon beats AT&T hands down. That is, when you can actually get coverage with AT&T, which is, you know, not really too many places.
posted by nevercalm at 4:57 PM on June 5, 2010

I'll echo what busboy said: Sprint has the added benefit of free roaming on Verizon's network, just in case it's out. I love the Sprint network, have recently switched to it after having been on Verizon's for seven years, and am now only kicking myself for not having switched sooner.

The Sprint plans in general are broader for more money: I get unlimited data, unlimited text, unlimited mobile to (any) mobile for the same amount that I was paying for Verizon's 200 text, unlimited mobile to (Verizon) mobile, and 450 minutes.
posted by thatbrunette at 9:03 PM on June 5, 2010

Asheville actually got AT&T 3G service about a year ago. I'd recommend giving it a try before you jump ship as it may suffice for your needs if you have coverage and stick around pretty central to Asheville. Venture any further outside the city or off of main roads and you may find the signal cutting out frequently.

If you're going to be living outside of the city its Verizon hands down. They've had EVDO (3G) for at least 3 years here. I've had Verizon for the past 5 or 6 years (and lived in Asheville for 2) and get signal where many others do not when outside the city (3G, even).
The only problems I've encountered are with areas that have troubles with radio reception as it is such as some parts of North Asheville (and Black Mountain) which are holes that can't get radio/tv/cell phone reception really well.

Whatever you choose, take the 14-day trial period for all its worth and return it if you aren't getting reliable coverage/call completion.
posted by ijoyner at 11:51 PM on June 5, 2010

I spent a half hour with the Sprint EVO on friday. Even with just two bars I managed 2mbps downloads on the 4G connection. I ran a speed test on Speakeasy's flash based website. Take that Mr. Jobs.

The device itself is fabulous. If you're thinking "Android plus Internet speed" then I suggest you test drive an EVO.
posted by damn dirty ape at 12:29 AM on June 6, 2010

I have HTC Hero on Sprint. I'm pretty happy with it. And I'm happy with paying $70 for unlimited data and text. Their '4G' just released and you can cancel your plan within 30 days if your area doesn't have good coverage.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 4:31 PM on June 6, 2010