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Comments on: T-Mobile wins again

America's fourth-largest carrier takes top honors in a wireless retail sales satisfaction survey.

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by SlanderPanic May 8, 2008 7:57 PM PDT
I've been with T-Mobile for five years now. Previously, I've had Alltel. I also worked for Sprint through 2004. I'll tell you this much: I couldn't possibly be happier with T-Mo. I live in Baton Rouge, but I travel all over the South. I always have reliable service, even in places where T-Mobile has no coverage, thanks to their roaming agreements with AT&T and SunCom. I don't pay anything extra for the roaming coverage and I'm all-systems-go wherever I travel.

On the rare occasions when I've had to speak to T-Mobile's customer service, I've been nothing but impressed. Their people take their time, work hard to solve problems, and don't try to sell you something when you call in. That aspect of Sprint's customer service was one of the most frustrating -and least logical- parts of working for them.

In short, I'm happy T-Mobile is doing well. They absolutely deserve it.
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by kingeri September 7, 2008 6:20 PM PDT
How was your cell reception during the hurricane? We live in Baton Rouge and currently have Alltel while our family has Cingular/AT&T and none of them had service for a couple of days, but we did.

However, our contract is almost up with Alltel, so we are trying to keep our options open. Alltel has been good to us so far ( 4 years)- except for the fact that they do not have a cell phone that can be used as a modem for a Mac. Being that T-Mobile roams on AT&T and SunCom, did your phone also not work for a couple of days (except for 911 calls) during Gustav?

Why did you switch from Alltel?
by strategynode May 8, 2008 7:58 PM PDT
I don't know how that's possible. I have T-mobile I can't even make a phone call from my house because the reception is so bad. And it's not like I like in the boondocks. But, perhaps I'm over reacting - who would ever want to make or receive a phone call from home?

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by tbanthony May 9, 2008 8:19 PM PDT
Had that problem but a change to more updated phones resulted in a significant improvement and we can now easily call from within our house. Perhaps you should change phones. On the other hand, your house may just sit in between towers such that once your inside the walls, you just don't have sufficient signal. I believe you can buy a booster/antennae to put in your house.
by luchtm May 8, 2008 8:21 PM PDT
I've been with T-Mo for 6 years and I couldn't be happier as well. I travel a lot for work and never have a problem wherever I'm at. I rarely have to call customer service, but when I do they always do it the right way. I manage my account mostly through their website because it's easy to use. They have simple pricing plans that are really competitive. The only area that they could do better in is the variety of actual phones that they offer. They kinda suck.... Let's hope that with the rollout of 3G, things will change with the phones they offer. Have to admit.... the thought of owning an iPhone has made me regrettably consider leaving.... BUT THE SERVICE IS JUST SO GOOD.
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by wfwii0814 May 8, 2008 9:23 PM PDT
I switched from Verzon to T-Mobile 3 months ago, and its everything that I would expect from the best. The store was outstanding, 30 min to get it done, vs hours with Verizon. The support after the sale is superb, the customer service staff is a pleasure to deal with and last but not least it solved a major problem for me. The new Blackberry Curve with WiFi now allows me to connect through my wireless router at home, instead have having to stand on my back decks holding the unit in the air to get reception. T-Mobile's Hot Spot at home allows me to talk anywhere at home (i am on the fringe of Verizon and T-Mobile service areas) and the calls don't count against my plan. Great company to deal with, the best in my opinion.
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by kt2005 May 8, 2008 11:40 PM PDT
I think T-Mobile is a great Cell Carrier, but with it's lack of awesome phones, and it's coverage, I can't say it's the best. I've been with AT&T, and Verizon, and I think Verizon has the best coverage and service, but it's very limited in carrier restrictions, (no gsm/primarily CDMA).

I wish America would follow the examples of Asia and Europe. I also have an Unlocked phone form HK, but I have Verizon, and they don't support Sim Cards.

If Verizon became a GSM carrier, with nicer phones (Iphones, TYTNs, etc), that would be ideal.

I also might join T-Mobile, just for my company, but I don't feel like paying for 2 plans.
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by sparehead2 May 9, 2008 2:47 AM PDT
Two years ago, I had a Sony-Ericsson cellular modem for my laptop... Someone tried to steal my laptop at gunpoint, I was shot in the foot twice, and the laptop was confiscated by the police (with the card still in the slot). When I contacted T-Mobile to tell them the police had my card and I wouldn't be able to use it, they told me to "cancel the account, PAY THEM the $200 early cancellation fee, and then sue my assailant to get my money back. The representatives at T-Mobile are low-lifes. I will NEVER use T-Mobile ever again.
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by liquordepot1540 May 9, 2008 1:33 PM PDT
I don?t know how J.D. Power justifies its rating. I have been with T-Mobile since 2001 when it was a different name. I cannot get reception in some parts of my home. T-Mobile reception at my work place is infrequent. I sometimes drop off my employee in his apartment complex down the road from my work, and no T-Mobile reception in the apartment complex.
To complicate things, I called T-Mobile to exchange my two years old phone for T-Mobile Dash that is going out of fashion for a two years contract. And T-Mobile wants me to pay $99.00 for the phone. I have three accounts with them; one for me and my daughter, and the other one for my wife. Despite years of loyalty, T-Mobile would not even wave the price on an out-fashion cell phone for me. I went through chains of customer service representatives, without success. Is this the service that is rated highly by J.D. Power? We all need to be wary of polling. A friend who has been with Sprint for only four years, got a free Treo from Sprint to replace his old one. T-Mobile cannot match that feat.
T-Mobile is behind when it comes to smart phone. If you want a good can- do- all phone, go to ATT, Sprint, Verizon and Alltel. Now that I realized that T-Mobile does not believe in loyalty, I will take my wife, daughter and my subscription out of T-Mobile this summer.
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by HDPLAY May 9, 2008 1:36 PM PDT
I can't believe what that T-mo won all those awards, or what I'm hearing. I have never had service as bad as with T-mobile. I have more dropped calls than I thought possible. Their staff is certainly trying, but they have so little authority to do anything at all. And, they're definitely working off a script, as they're unable to figure out any solution beyond: (1) change your phone; or (2) change your SIM.

I'm curious as to what statistics they're using to measure customer satisfaction. I don't call to complain anymore because I'm just used to the dropped calls and inconsistent service.
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by bfdonnelly May 9, 2008 2:42 PM PDT
I have tried all of the major carriers, and T-mobile is almost trouble-free. Support is good. It actually makes me a little sad they're transitioning out of Starbucks. I signed up with them because they were up quickly after Katrina, and they were very helpful to relief crews.
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by joeofkcmo May 9, 2008 4:11 PM PDT
I have had Tmobile for 1year and I am completely satisfied with the services that they offer. I was formerly with AT&T but their prices and services cannot compete with T-mobile as far as I can tell. I have the Hotspot at home and as such have completely eliminated any need for a home phone. Customer service is the best I have seen.
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by Rod Roddy May 9, 2008 4:26 PM PDT
T-Mo has the most "ify" service in the known universe. Sometimes it works fine, and other times it just plain blows! I can't wait 'til 2009 when my contract is up.
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by drezjohnson May 9, 2008 5:40 PM PDT
I've been a T-Mobile customer since 2004 (after leaving Sprint) and the overall value of their service is amazing. T-Mobile is still behind in terms of the advancement of their technology (networks and phones) however what they lack in this area they make up for with excellent customer service and affordable rates. Great Value.
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by genebean66 May 9, 2008 6:34 PM PDT
I been with T-mobile since 2005 I had no problems so far, My only one gripe about is I bought a unlocked phone when I was riding my bike home from work the cheap phone belt clip fell off the cars crushed my phone I needed a new SIM card I called t-mobile told them what happened but I have to pay $20 to get new SIM card I argured with them so I paid $20, my friend at work told me at&t replaces SIM card for free she has at&t so I went to at&t asked them about that they said yes they do replace SIM card for free! one more gripe I wish T-mobile has international text messenging plan at&t does my wife is from the philippines, One thing I was surprised my contract just expired I called T-mobile to get unlocking code for my phone I was going to send it to my inlaws in the philippines they gave it to me no problem 24hrs later I got the unlocking codes by e-mail got the phone unlocked! I don't need to renew my contract with them I just got a brand new unlocked unbranded motorola Razr2 V9 phone..
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by Gregg Pearson May 9, 2008 6:43 PM PDT
I moved my cell phone account from "cingular" to T-Mobile 3+ years ago, and I have to say I couldn't be happier.
I travel to Asia very often and with T-Mobile I get good reception on my GSM phone EVERYWHERE. I also have access to GPRS services throughout all of China, and 3G in Singapore and Taiwan.
Additionally, T-Mobile is very good about giving me the code and help to "Open" my phone so that I can use a local SIM card when I am in a country for extended periods. I dare you to try that with ATT (Cingular). They REFUSE to give you the unlock number.
Also, if you try to buy an "After Market" phone, ATT will not provide any assistance what so ever, they even refuse to give you the APN, which is needed for access to GPRS systems.
I LOVE T-MOBILE and would strongly recommend their service to anyone, especially ATT customers.
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by scionguy05 May 9, 2008 9:34 PM PDT
I think its funny when people complain about cell phone service. I sell cell phones, people all day complain about how they get bad reception and then they show you there cell phone, thing looks like it got ran ver by a car, screens cracked, atennas missing, has some water damage etc , etc. If you dont take care of ur phone, chances are your gonna get bad reception. And another thing that annoys me is people complain about payn for a cell phone, why isnt it free? ive been with you guys for 3 years i wanna free phone! Well you get what u pay for, free phones usually equal bad reception! And another thing, do you get a free phone when you have a home phone? NO. I sell the 4 major cell phone companys, Vezion,at&t,tmoblie, and sprint. When it comes to takeing care of the customers tmobile is worlds above the other carriers. Only other carrier that comes close is Verzion. Im a very honest sales person, and cell phone sales are right up there with used car sales, u have to be carefull were you go.alot of times customers blame cell phone providers with werid charges, alot of the times the sales person added hidden features to get paid more, trust me ive seen it happen.
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by mayhakjm May 9, 2008 9:57 PM PDT
First off, it's ridiculous to comment on your experience with a carriers coverage, since everyone's experience will vary depending on where they happen to live (for the record, though, mine happens to be great). That said, T-Mobile's customer service and pricing plans are far superior to anything I have come across......
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by d4nner May 9, 2008 11:23 PM PDT
T-mobile was my first and only carrier for the last 3 years. While I haven't tried another to compare it to, I've been very satisfied with the service. I was hesitant at first to get a cell phone because of all the various fees initially, but I called them up and they explained everything that would be charged for initially.

I encouraged my mom to sign up when she finally got a cell phone (who is not very inclined to read between the lines in a contract) and every time she is upset about a charge she thinks is superfluous, the reps are always patient and explain why the bill is the amount it is.

Only thing I wish they had better: the sexy phones AT&T has!
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by genebean66 May 9, 2008 11:47 PM PDT
It's intresting when people complain they can't get coverage in their area or other areas when the big 4 T-mobile, at&t ect.. wants to build the antenna tower to meet the people needs so they can get coverage in their area or other areas, You got to blame the city that refuse to give permits to build, The hug a tree liberal wildlife freaks and neighbors in your area don't want the towers saying it's an eyesore, ect... So if you really want a cell phone it's best to borrow your friends & reletives phone from all carriers to test and see if it works in your area if one does works then use that provider, Always read the fine print on contract and always ask questions make the sales person be honest to answer the questions you asked.
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by angry jubu May 10, 2008 6:58 AM PDT
I've been with T-Mobile for five years. I think the most that can be said is that they may be the best of a bad lot. I stay with them for the price - 1500 min for $40 - but I agree about their phone selection. EVERY TIME an interesting smartphone comes out, it goes to someone else, usually ATT. Supposedly, the HTC Diamond will be offerred by all major carriers. We'll see.

In terms of performance (reception, dropped calls, etc.) - better than Sprint (but who isn't?)
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by zwolf4444 May 11, 2008 6:53 PM PDT
As a number of people seem to echo above, J.D. Power must be testing right next door to a T-Mobile tower or something, or they heavily weight customer service instead of cell reception. Simply put, T-Mobile service is terrible (at least in New York State). I've done quite a bit of travelling on the east coast, and my friends who have T-Mobile always have the most inconsistent service. Verizon has always had consistently the best cell reception but the most restricted phones and the worst customer service, which why i suspect they trailed. But for most people, i think reception trumps all.
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