Cell phone carrier you use

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by TomBow, Nov 22, 2020.

  1. TomBow

    TomBow Bobtail Member

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    I have been running a cheapo tracfone, using GSM networks (AT&T/T-Mobile towers) but have run into dead spots in Northern IA. I assume there will be more as I start to drive other states. What carrier do you use and tell me the good and bad. I can get on Verizon with other family members who are already "there" but want to know if that is the way to go.
    Thanks, Drive Safe, Stay Well
    Tom Bow
     
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  3. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    Verizon is probably the best overall when you venture off the interstates into rural areas. The others will work if you are just running city to city on the big road.

    Some areas are just bad/spotty, like IA, WY, Southern Texas.
     
  4. Lucky12

    Lucky12 Medium Load Member

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    Verizon best nationwide. AT&T second. In rural Iowa US Cellular has best coverage, it has coverage many places not covered by Vz or Att.
     
  5. JoeTruck

    JoeTruck Heavy Load Member

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    If I went out west it would be Verizon but cricket works fine for me 55 unlimited data.
     
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  6. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    i have been using an ATT flip open phone, 3 G power, or whatever.

    i got a notice via text message, that in 2022, they will go over to 5G, and my phone will not work.

    great, i gotta spend money for a stupid cell phone all over again, like 15 years wasn't good enough..

    as long as they have PLAIN, SIMPLE, FLIP PHONES, that DO NOT TEXT, TAKE PICTURES, or PLAY MUSIC, i will be absolutely delighted spending yet another $50.00 for one.
     
    MidWest_MacDaddy and Bumper Thank this.
  7. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    I've used US cellular and Verizon.
    Seems both have deadspots in the areas around Indian reservations.
     
  8. TomBow

    TomBow Bobtail Member

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    Hey, Thanks to all for your help and the info. I will be honest with you, my primary use is a few calls here and there, a few texts here and there and, at last count, 1500+ songs, gotta have tunes as it is the spine that keeps me on me feet. The tracfone runs me about $10 a month so I am not quick to move to one of them-there contracts that is going to quadruple, or better, the amount I spend on a phone.
    Hey, DRIVE SAFE, STAY WELL or I will come and hunt you down!o_O
    Thanks, TomBow
     
  9. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    I’ve been using AT&T for about 20 years, and am pretty satisfied.
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Where I'm at. Att has been better then Verizon.

    None of them are perfect. Though things have been improving for all of them.

    I can't imagine using a 15 year old phone. I wouldn't think they'd even work.

    Everytime I got a new phone for the technology. Coverage always improved.
     
  11. Jepperd

    Jepperd Light Load Member

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    Visible. Uses Verizon's network. Unlimited data. Digital only - no stores. 40 bucks. Limited to one line per account. For now am running Verizon and Visible for a test period before I drop Verizon completely. Comparing signal and coverage as I go. Haven't seen any difference. They'll sell you an unlocked phone and send it with a sim card. Pop it in and activate. That's it. Or bring your phone if it's supported. So far, so good.
     
    tarmadilo Thanks this.
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