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moving to T-Mobile from Sprint for a G2?

so, i have an HTC evo "4g" with sprint that i got on launch day, but im really disappointed because sprint 4g has sucked in seattle and chicago. it only works outdoors and even then it feels like sudden bursts and not sustained speed.
i had a g1 on T-Mobile and was happy with it, but I've been in the evo/sprint world for a while so i need some help:
i see that T-Mobile is having an "any phone free" deal this weekend. it seems like it might be worth it to sell my evo, pay the etf fee with sprint, and go back to T-Mobile. what I'd like are some honest unbiased answers if possible, to the following questions.
1) sprint seems to have good prices, $69. unlimited data and 450 any mobile minutes + $10 data fee. is it the same price with T-Mobile? seems to be (500 minutes)
2) what rate of speed does T-Mobile throttle to after 5gb is exceeded?
3) the g2 is what im looking at, but what are similar phones from T-Mobile that I should look at and what are the drawbacks or advantages of the top two or three other phones?
4) can any new T-Mobile phone be rooted easily or do recent hboot/radios/firmware updates make it difficult on the g2 or other phones?
5) how is indoor T-Mobile hspa+ or hsdpa signal? wimax at its 2.x ghz and barely penetrates windows so indoor reception is basically none. what frequency is T-Mobile 4g, how is their coverage?
thanks for any responses. I'd like to make a decision tonight or tomorrow morning to switch or not (and choose the right phone).
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Short awnser: BUY A G2.
Sent from my HTC Vision

I'll try to answer as best I can.
Although the G2 is my very first Android device, I've been so impressed by it. I would definitely recommend it!
I believe that you're throttled down to EDGE speeds, which is damn pretty horrible because I actually get EDGE where I live and only get HSDPA signal (3G signals) on campus. When I'm on EDGE, I only get about 10kbps... yes, it sounds horrible. But when you are in a good part of town, I've seen mine go to as high as 7mbps!
As of right now, I'm sure that if you get a G2 this weekend, that the root process will be the same. I rooted last month using the gfree method by first getting a temp root and then permanent root. It's pretty cool since a lot of people say that this is the method that results in the least bricked devices. If I can do it, it'll be easy.
T-Mobile signal will really just depend on your location.
The alternative to the Tmobile G2 is the MyTouch4G. I've read that the MT4G is faster; however if the physical keyboard is what you want, then the G2 is the way to go. Both devices are pretty similiar.
Hope I helped.

interesting. thanks for the replies. so when you get throttled after 5gb they always restrict you from the hspa+ network and only let you connect to edge, at whatever connection speed you can manage to pull in from those towers? I figured it would be a set kbps limit. I was also looking at the mytouch 4g and dell streak because I love the huge screen, but the dell streak support community seems to be basically non existant for some reason.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

I actually did EXACTLY this almost a month ago (kinda weird since I live near Seattle too, lol). Bought an Evo on launch day because of the hype etc. and don't get me wrong its a great phone, but the battery life left a lot to be desired, and the 4G sapped battery extremely hard and almost never worked indoors, even when the area was blanketed in 4G coverage.
Eventually I really got put off by the way Sprint treated me after I went through 4 different replacement phones but thats a whole different story. I demanded to be let out of my contract and I've been with T-mo since then w/ a G2. They're great so far and I really love the Even More + plans. $59.99/month and no contract. Can't be beat in my opinion and there's just no way I can go back to a contract, I know I wont have the G2 for 2 years that's just impossible the way technology goes.
So anyways.
1) Plans are about the same price, except the one good thing about Sprint is unlimited calling to ANY mobile carrier, not just T-mo. But it really depends how you call, I really don't call much. Also as I said the Even More+ no contract plans are the beeeest if you're like me.
2) I can't give you good info, never capped. I know a lot of people can give you good info though.
3) Most hardcore Android users will say to just get the G2. It is 99.9% stock android, and has great features. The Streak doesn't have the best support but that's your own deal depends wat you're into. The MyTouch4G isn't your best bet because man that skin is terrible, and to be honest the design is just terrible compared to the G2 (chrome + cheap plastic = ew).
4) G2 is easily perm-rootable, not exactly one click but not impossible. Can't say for the other T-mo offerings.
5) I get great cell penetration inside. Haven't had tons of HSPA+ experience, but its on the same spectrum as their UMTS and HSDPA (1700 I believe?) which is pretty high frequency but I think they space their towers well. A quick comment on the UMTS/HSDPA speeds is that I've been consistently pulling 1.8mbps down AND up. On Sprint I could maybe push that down, but never up. Oh and one other thing, WiFi calling is awesome. I'm home for the weekend and there's very weak service here. Hop on WiFi and you can make calls/texts. I don't like having to rely on it because I wish service would just work here, but its nice to have just in case.
Obviously you're gonna get some positive views of the G2 in this forum but I think I can offer some good perspective cuz I did have the Evo before.

wrb123 said:
so, i have an HTC evo "4g" with sprint that i got on launch day, but im really disappointed because sprint 4g has sucked in seattle and chicago. it only works outdoors and even then it feels like sudden bursts and not sustained speed.
i had a g1 on T-Mobile and was happy with it, but I've been in the evo/sprint world for a while so i need some help:
i see that T-Mobile is having an "any phone free" deal this weekend. it seems like it might be worth it to sell my evo, pay the etf fee with sprint, and go back to T-Mobile. what I'd like are some honest unbiased answers if possible, to the following questions.
1) sprint seems to have good prices, $69. unlimited data and 450 any mobile minutes + $10 data fee. is it the same price with T-Mobile? seems to be (500 minutes)
2) what rate of speed does T-Mobile throttle to after 5gb is exceeded?
3) the g2 is what im looking at, but what are similar phones from T-Mobile that I should look at and what are the drawbacks or advantages of the top two or three other phones?
4) can any new T-Mobile phone be rooted easily or do recent hboot/radios/firmware updates make it difficult on the g2 or other phones?
5) how is indoor T-Mobile hspa+ or hsdpa signal? wimax at its 2.x ghz and barely penetrates windows so indoor reception is basically none. what frequency is T-Mobile 4g, how is their coverage?
thanks for any responses. I'd like to make a decision tonight or tomorrow morning to switch or not (and choose the right phone).
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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I was in the exact situation as you. Loved my EVO but Sprint's customer service is absolute ****, 4G coverage is poor, reps constantly lied about when coverage was coming to my area, and the battery life of the EVO was horrible.
1.) Base plan is $79.99. I get 10% off through student rate and talked customer care into giving me Android preferred web plan which is $20 instead of $30. So my net bill is quite a bit lower than my Sprint Everything Plus bill was.
2.) Don't know. I've personally never gone over 5 GB of data on any phone I've owned.
3.) Galaxy S 4G and MyTouch 4G. Both have FFCs. Neither have keyboards. GS4G has faster data but poor upgrade history and it's yet to be seen if the Vibrant dev community efforts will be compatible.
4.) Don't know. This is better handled at whatever other phone your considerings respective community.
5.) T-Mo 3G is 1700 MHz downlink and 2100MHz uplink. Coverage is fair in Eastern Washington. Certain areas are still EDGE only. Haven't had any issues keeping a decent 3G signal indoors in dense areas. My EVO actually roamed indoors in a few places which I thought was pretty pathetic. My average speeds range from 2-6 Mbs down and 1-1.8 Mbs up.

I was in the same boat. Wanted to leave Sprint for T-Mobile.
It's 2011 and all T-Mobile could give me was EDGE indoors and out. Not worth the money. Especially when the coverage map showed HSPA+ coverage. I live in Tampa, FL.
Sprint isn't any better (claims indoor 4G, can't get it outside or inside), but it was cheap at the time. Not so much now since they keep jacking up prices. First removal of employee discount on almost everything, and then the stupid +$10 premium data on EVERY smartphone.
I guess I'll be letting AT&T or Big Red milk me for money in the near future.
TL;DR - Coverage maps are bull****. You have to take the hard credit pull hit and try the phones out for yourself. I returned my T-mobile phones in less than 24hrs with no questions asked.

Man I am LOVING my G2. And believe it or not, one of my favorite things about it is the battery life!!!! I've gone almost two days without much charge at all and I'm still sitting at 22%. Seriously impressive. I am running the cyanogenmod 6.1.1. It's pretty damn smooth but it seems to have a few quirky behaviors. But then again, most custom ROM's do too. But for the most part it's simply the ****. I show this phone off to the iphone 4 followed by plenty of questions afterwards.
It's a dope phone. Go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Hot_Hands said:
1.) Base plan is $79.99. I get 10% off through student rate and talked customer care into giving me Android preferred web plan which is $20 instead of $30. So my net bill is quite a bit lower than my Sprint Everything Plus bill was.
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Could you give a little more info on the $20 Android Preferred web plan over the normal web plan? never heard of this.

martonikaj said:
Could you give a little more info on the $20 Android Preferred web plan over the normal web plan? never heard of this.
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I also have have the $20 andriod preferred web, you have to ask to speak to customer loyalty dept. And you have to have been with Tmo for a certain number of years, I don't know how long the requirement is but I have been with Tmo for Nine Years.
Sent from my HTC Vision

I believe the requirement is 1 or 2 years. I was a customer for 4 before my EVO misadventure so I smooth talked them into letting me have it. You must talk to the loyalty department. No other department will be able to do it and will probably have no idea what you're talking about.

joemm said:
I also have have the $20 andriod preferred web, you have to ask to speak to customer loyalty dept. And you have to have been with Tmo for a certain number of years, I don't know how long the requirement is but I have been with Tmo for Nine Years.
Sent from my HTC Vision
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Alright thanks, well I got a while to go before I'm there . It just seemed like they were pretty reluctant to make my plan any cheaper than it already is. The Even More+ $59.99 plan is pretty cheap already and I can't argue with it.

I'm not sure if it'll apply to Even More Plus plans since the data plan is included and not a separate add-on.

[Q] Thinking about switching carriers (T-Mobile to Sprint)

Alright. So I've searched the forum with no luck, so I'm asking (if I've missed something, please point me to the right thread and quickly close this one).
I currently have the Galaxy S 4G (t-mobile) and am having second thoughts about my carrier. I found out that I had a discount with Verizon through my job, but even still the plans are ridiculously priced (in a bad way). Since I was exploring an alternative I figured I would check out Sprint. Not only was I impressed by the plan prices, I was very impressed by the Epic 4G Touch (and the Nexus S 4g also). This has me thinking about switching to Sprint.
Now, I live in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. My biggest concern is that I may lose a tremendous amount in coverage and quality of signal. Has anyone here switched from t-mobile to Sprint? And if so, how was your experience? (All of you please chime in, but especially if you live in Norf Cack).

I live in Virginia and I frequently travel to Atlanta and New Orleans. Sprint is ok, but I want to switch to a GSM carrier. My main issue with Sprint is the already installed 3G network. It's the worst of all of the 3G networks and they claim to improve the network in the near future(network.sprint.com). I have been waiting since the EVO for an improvement and everything is the same. The best Sprint phone radio wise is the Photon. The E4GT and the Nexus S 4G has bad radios and I have tested all three. I currently own the E4GT and it's the best looking phone by far, but I recommend sticking with Tmo or jumping to big blue and getting a phone from Craigslist if you want a new one.

knightowl23 said:
I live in Virginia and I frequently travel to Atlanta and New Orleans. Sprint is ok, but I want to switch to a GSM carrier. My main issue with Sprint is the already installed 3G network. It's the worst of all of the 3G networks and they claim to improve the network in the near future(network.sprint.com). I have been waiting since the EVO for an improvement and everything is the same. The best Sprint phone radio wise is the Photon. The E4GT and the Nexus S 4G has bad radios and I have tested all three. I currently own the E4GT and it's the best looking phone by far, but I recommend sticking with Tmo or jumping to big blue and getting a phone from Craigslist if you want a new one.
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One thing everyone must keep in mind is Sprint-Verizon and Att-Tmobile have roaming agreements with each others; if you have a Sprint phone make sure you place it on Automatic and update the PRL, this will resolve your issue, if you can get excellent Verizon signal, your Sprint phone will work; this is something each carrier do not promote to us.

Most carriers (except for verizon) have slow data (Sprint) or spotty coverage (AT&T/T-Mobile). Sprints phones are great if youre in a WiFi area you can make calls and get internet with good speeds.

I recently switch from T-Mobile to Sprint. I used to have the Samsung Vibrant and own the Epic 4G Touch now. So as a previous T-mobile customer and current Sprint customer, I will give you my .02 cents.
I've had Sprint for about a week now, and to be honest, I love it. I wasn't too sure about making the switch, mainly because my friends had sprint phones and my T-mobile Vibrant on 3g averaged around 3mbps download speeds while my friends Epic 4G averages 1.5mbps download speeds on 4G. So thats twice the speed on T-Mobiles 3G, but after playing the the Epic 4G touch, you really can't tell much of a difference. 3G, even though slow than t-mo's 3G, seemed to load up just as quickly, and 4G, even though slow too, actually seemed to load up pages faster. Even when streaming music on Google Music, the 4G connection on my Epic 4G touch loaded up the music faster. Another thing I enjoy about Sprint is that they don't throttle your speed. Last month I went over 5GB on data on T-Mobile and got throttled. First time ever i got throttled. You read about it all the time, but actually experiencing it is a different story. It sucked. One thing i did notice, 4G for Sprint is spotty. I do get it in my house and at my job, but while driving around I seem to lose connection randomly. Another thing is you can't talk and use data at the same time, but I don't really do that.
Another major influence on my switching to Sprint, is T-mobiles murky future. The At&t acquisition wasn't my favorite thing to happen, but it doesn't seem like it'll go through. DT didn't really have a plan B for T-Mobile USA, in fact they aren't really interested in a US market anymore. One possibility for T-mobile was partnering up with cable companies but Verizon's deal with comcast, time warner and brighthouse basically blocked T-mobile from going that route, so T-mobile will probably not have much of a future left in the states.
Like you I was also looking to switch to Verizon, but as you said, prices are ridiculous. It would've been fine for me for one line, but I have a family plan and that just adds up more costs.
So far i'm happy with Sprint. Plus they have 4G LTE planned for the future, so might as well lock yourself in on their unlimited plan before they start follow Verizon and At&t and tier their data.

dallas90733 said:
One thing everyone must keep in mind is Sprint-Verizon and Att-Tmobile have roaming agreements with each others; if you have a Sprint phone make sure you place it on Automatic and update the PRL, this will resolve your issue, if you can get excellent Verizon signal, your Sprint phone will work; this is something each carrier do not promote to us.
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I have the roaming setting on automatic and I have talked to Sprint about updating the PRL, but i don't have call issues like I have data issues. I don't talk on the phone that much, but I can make calls. The data is what I was referring too, which happens to be subpar.

I also switched to Sprint from T-Mobile. I'm in southern Texas (Corpus Christi) and I've had zero problems with Sprint. My loaner Evo 4G was great, good 4G coverage around here although the Evo's battery couldn't really handle that; my minimal contact with customer service has been mostly positive. There's nothing fantastic about it (except my amazing phone), but I can't think of any real negatives so far, either. I'm about three or four months in.

I also switched from T-MO to Sprint. I'm in Nashville, Tn. Got the Epic Touch 4G. No complaints so far. Speeds seem pretty decent. My bill is even cheaper with 2 phones than it was on T-Mo.... So far, everything has been flawless.

I just went over 5Gb for the first time. Received the message earlier today. Speed dropped from 7Mb to 56kb.
So I'm looking to switch to sprint too now. Are they still offering any incentives?

very tempted to make switch as well, using a nexus s on a local carrier only paying $56 month to month. Nice thing & bad thing is I can switch phones at anytime. Unlimited data/texting only $14.99, speeds vary anywhere from 1.2mbps to 6 or so. Becoming tired of switching phones every other month, really havent found something that I like.
Sprint receive a discount of 25%, leaning towards the iphone 4s. Android and rooting is just getting old to me. Sprint bill comes out to roughly $62 plus tax. Sprint in the area is pretty solid as well, but there 3g speeds could be a deal breaker.

MerkSession said:
I just went over 5Gb for the first time. Received the message earlier today. Speed dropped from 7Mb to 56kb.
So I'm looking to switch to sprint too now. Are they still offering any incentives?
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Damn, that is a major drop after going over the cap. Check out how Sprint service is before changing though. Many people get no 4g at all. I do and its great but many have never even had a chance to use it
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I'm one of those Sprint users that's never used 4G. But with the E4GT and Sprint's low prices & unlimited data, the supposed slower data speeds are totally worth it.
JohnCorleone said:
Damn, that is a major drop after going over the cap. Check out how Sprint service is before changing though. Many people get no 4g at all. I do and its great but many have never even had a chance to use it
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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E4GT'n & lovin' it

I've been with T-Mobile, at&t, and now I'm with Sprint. I didn't have a data plan on T-Mobile so I won't compare that to Sprints. As far as phone signals and dropped calls I say they're pretty much the same depending on where you live. I just happen to live in a city that's good with T-Mobile and Sprint so I've never had a drop call yet. I get more lost of signal on my Epic 4G Touch (Sprint) but I know that's a popular bug with the Epic Touch so I can't really say how much of the LOS is the fault of Sprints network.
If you want unlimited data go to Sprint. That's true unlimited. No slowing down after 2GB like T-Mobile. But take into consideration you may not get 4G Wi-Max where you live or work. I'm lucky to happen to get it at home and my job.
The only thing I like about T-Mobile over other carriers is they have month to month option. On a major carrier I think that's big. I have no interest going to a carrier made for month to month like boost mobile or virgin mobile. Why? I don't know how good the networks will be. How signal will be. How fast or slow their data speeds are. And they don't have any phones I like.
---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 PM ----------
nibrwr said:
I'm one of those Sprint users that's never used 4G. But with the E4GT and Sprint's low prices & unlimited data, the supposed slower data speeds are totally worth it.
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I hear all the time that people have issues with Sprints 3G data speed being super duper slow. The 3G is pretty good on my Epic 4G Touch. It's not slow by any means at all. But 4G & Wi-Fi definitely blows 3G out the water.

It definitely depends where you live. I started with Sprint about 15 months ago on launch day of OG Epic. I had 4g since day 1. I have never had a dropped call and I have full bar service with 8-13Mbps download speeds
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

JohnCorleone said:
It definitely depends where you live. I started with Sprint about 15 months ago on launch day of OG Epic. I had 4g since day 1. I have never had a dropped call and I have full bar service with 8-13Mbps download speeds
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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What phone do you have right now?

I've used them all and I say sprint... But I'm a cheap date...

I had sprint for a few years in college and never had an issue, I'll probably test out my friends iphone 4s to see how it is with sprint. The extra $10 a month for an iphone maybe worth it to me. Although I've been android for the last 3 years, will wait a few months (hopefully) to see what sprints rolls out with the LTE phones, and how the ICS shapes up on nexus s.

I live in LA before coming to sprint I was on tmobile 3g was always fast on my Nexus One every where I was i never worry about coverage. I decided switch carriers for numbers of reasons 1 being that At&t might buy them another was didn't like being throttled after 2gb. sprints plans look better in my opinion but after getting the nexus s 4g wow there is no comparison whatsoever with the epic touch. on the nexus s 4g reception was so bad even wifi wouldn't connect even while standing in front of my router. now when I switched to the Epic touch 4g wifi was good even at the lowest connection 3g is like dial up in my house and 4g is non existing but everywhere else 4g is good 8-13mbps at home is not a bigger deal for me since I have broadband anyway I'm sticking with sprint hoping LTE upgrade is better than wimax.

Come to JC meeting

Okay everyone, I feel like this a time for those of us that have to decide to renew our contract with Sprint...to make a real informed decision. I'm going to try and keep this short.
Read this first- here
I've been with every carrier EXCEPT Verizon and twice with Sprint. I always knew that Sprint's data network wasn't that great, but I found it usable (barely and often times frustrating). With my contract date ending on 5/3, I started looking at other carriers. I have friends on Verizon, TMo, and ATT. In a very non-scientific way, I decided to test the 3G & 4G speeds on those networks...later comparing them to Sprint. I always found my Sprint speeds to be the slowest...on both. Let me mention that I live in Kansas City...which is in Sprint's backyard...didn't even matter.
With the direction mobile technology is going...LTE is definitely here to stay. However, the battery powering the device is not improving (except for the Razr Maxx). And we all know that 4G...albeit LTE or WiMax, sucks the life out of the standard mAh battery in the device. Which is why, I use 3G most of the time...again, which is not that good on Sprint's network.
Even with the sexy Evo 4G LTE dropping soon, I am starting to reconsider my tenure with Sprint. Even with a good LTE network, 3G still plays a role...at least for me. Paired with my tests and the above article, it proves that Sprint needs to get their sh*t together. A great device means nothing on a sub par network.
I guess I'm angry right now and I don't plan to sit on the curb either. I really want to give Sprint a chance...have been for nearly 2 years. But, I don't want to be optimistic, only to be let down 2 more years later. So my question to my comrades is simple. Are you all going to stay with Sprint or look elsewhere?
Don't worry, I'm a big boy and I can take straight up responses. Sorry for the dissertation.
Regards,
sag
***Mods, feel free to move this to general discussion. I think it may belong there.***

You go to another carrier and get less data for more money, better speeds less quality. Sprints LTE roll out is bringing network vision with it which is enhanced 1x and 3g networks as well as LTE everywhere there is now 3g coverage within 2 years. I'll be sticking with sprint as I have been with every carrier and sprint has the best customer service and actually works with their customers. Vzw doesn't give a rats ass how badly they screw you and will even directly lie to your face to get you to change your plan, device, contract etc. ATT lte is spotty at best TMO is just a joke in alot of areas, and sprints network vision will far surpass all the other carriers by the end of 2014.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I'm sticking with Sprint. The price plans for Verizon are so much more expensive than what I'm currently paying, and I'm not sure the benefits warrant the cost. Also, I'm optimistic that Sprint is at least trying to get better. Their venture into WiMAX set them back, but they've been moving to correct that. Lastly, I'll be spending the next four years in college where I'll have WiFi available nearly constantly.

See there are so many things I am weighing right now...in no particular order
Devices offered...to include future device offerings
Data Speeds
Customer service
Coverage
Rate Plans
Tethering (the XDA way ;-))
Time to upgrade
I have been following the development of Sprint's network and it really DOES look promising. However, I do not want to wait for nothing. I'm trying not to let impulse or frustration get the best of me right now...really difficult. I love my Evo and I am hoping the love will continue with the Evo LTE. I just want to love the network as well.
Thanks for responding and I hope this continues to create dialog.

Brilliancy said:
I'm sticking with Sprint. The price plans for Verizon are so much more expensive than what I'm currently paying, and I'm not sure the benefits warrant the cost. Also, I'm optimistic that Sprint is at least trying to get better. Their venture into WiMAX set them back, but they've been moving to correct that. Lastly, I'll be spending the next four years in college where I'll have WiFi available nearly constantly.
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By the time network vision is fully deployed sprint is targeted to have the best network in the country. HD voice, consistent 1.8-3mb 3g speeds and LTE with coverage everywhere they currently have 3g with the same signal quality and building penetration as the current 3g network means they will have LTE in a bigger market than any other carrier while having the same or better 3g as well and far superior voice quality, with the customer service they currently have sprint will be poised to be the top dog once again.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

here are a few things floating in my mind on why to switching carriers ( other than having NO COVERAGE aka im runnin in airplane mode just to save battery cuz there is no point on leaving radio on unless i like looking at the x over my signal bars lol)
-boy do i miss sim cards it was WAYYY easier to switch phones imo (yea yea you can even switch sprint phones by talking to them online but still swap a sim and wait sounds like fun)
-i mean the faster speeds would be nice and the limits on amount of data might be hassle but... i really dont find myself downloading roms over the 3g/4g radio (well ok maybe 4g but i dont have that in my particular area either but i get that could be nice) and tethering could be an issue (and i mean by other means not the manufacturers app) since there are caps butttt yeah there is wifi so many places and at the rates the size of phones are coming who needs to tether a lappy lol
-i guess im so over customer service where unless it is really really really really really need im just gonna try to fix it myself just cuz.
andddd to be honest i know this sounds like a stupid thing or maybe just dumb but att has this 50 unlimited plan for the go phone (annnd a sim only costs like 4 bucks or something like that which means no need to hack away with cdma workshop to get my phone on boost or something). downside is yesss you have to buy a phone off plan and yes you still will get throttled (right ? wasnt that what they are doin to unlimited plans?) but id rather shell out for a phone i want that im not stuck with due to contract annnd have my 50 dollar plan throttled than a $100+ plan throttled lol anyways those are some of my thoughts just thought i'd share

General opinion of Note II?

Hello everyone.
I am currently with Sprint, and using HTC Evo 4G LTE phone. While phone is good, Sprint service is not. I consider myself lucky to get 150kbps down. Where I live, we have an LTE deployment, but it's speed is about 4mbps, and requires me to airplane-mode cycle to connect. So I am thinking about switching and picking up Note II.
So, anyone in a similar situation (Evo 4G LTE, tired of Sprint) who switched to T-Mobile / Note II, any feedback? How's the phone? Service? Data speed? Would you stay or go back to Sprint?

Meanee said:
Hello everyone.
I am currently with Sprint, and using HTC Evo 4G LTE phone. While phone is good, Sprint service is not. I consider myself lucky to get 150kbps down. Where I live, we have an LTE deployment, but it's speed is about 4mbps, and requires me to airplane-mode cycle to connect. So I am thinking about switching and picking up Note II.
So, anyone in a similar situation (Evo 4G LTE, tired of Sprint) who switched to T-Mobile / Note II, any feedback? How's the phone? Service? Data speed? Would you stay or go back to Sprint?
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I was shocked when I ran speed tests on every carrier in my primary use case area that T-Mobile was best (faster than Verizon LTE indoors & mostly outdoors) & least expensive with most flexible options.
10-20x Sprint 3G speed @ nearly 1/3 Sprint cost : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35621485&postcount=94 & http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=37343584&postcount=115
I'm glad I held out for the SGH-T889 & also set up Talkatone+Google Voice for my best in 2010 EVO "4G" for use over Wi-Fi but barely touch it or think about Sprint anymore..
BTW, Note2 imo is the best current handset until the Note3 or S IV & for my use case the prepaid $30/mo T-Mobile is best (test in your own use case areas with friend's T-Mobile-all carrier smartphones) & I prefer more open GSM over CDMA networks.

well its really fast and everything about it is pretty much awesome including the battery life and screen and i get 17mbps download speeds in new york :good:

Sounds great. I am currently on contract with Sprint, but trying to get out. How's development? Active? With Evo 4G LTE it seems that most ROMs are just small rehashes and not updated often.

Anything is better than the Sprint crap. I was happy with them til they started carrying the iPhones. I went from 1.3mbps, to 1, to .5, to .1, to .02, to constantly roaming on Verizon network around my home.
Location of course varies widely but I get between 3mbps to 20mbps around my home now. I have a GS3 and a Note 2 and I am happy/impress with them both.
I didn't have the Evo 4G LTE for long but man that phone has fantastic build quality.

I have a love/hate relationship with T-Mobile. On one hand, they've been pretty awesome overall (although I worry about this in the long run). On the other hand, to settle issues I've spent lots of time calling and playing CSR roulette. It took a lot of phone calls to get my Note 2's rebate honored - so please be weary of the MIRs. Make sure you dot your I's and cross your T's, and scan/make copies of everything!
Otherwise, I agree! T-Mobile is cheap and their service is usually great, if you get a good data signal. Beware: If you're in a truck stop town, you'll be lucky if you get EDGE. I've even seen GPRS on road trips not more than a year or so ago. In cities, usually it's about the same as AT&T and sprint, but consistently worse than Verizon. Then again, Verizon charges a hell of a lot more than T-Mobile....
Just do your homework when you shop for plans & phones. You can save lots of money if you pick the right plan and find it the right way.

I'm still waiting for my rebate confirmation. Just found out that they rejected my rebate for $100 for the N2! I paid full price for the phone! T-mobile used to be pretty good, now they are just ok as far as customer service is concerned. Their service is excellent in the NYC area. I've never had a call dropped and the data here are pretty fast.
Get the hell out of sprint!

Came from sprint only a few months ago. I was with them for over 10 years. Not sure why it took me so long to leave. I couldn't be happier with Tmobile and the Note II. I don't travel a whole lot a I get great coverage where I live. I'm on the $30 month, 100 mins unlimited text and data plan and it's been great. The speeds run circles around sprints data.
I guess that all comes down to where you live though.

What about when the iPhone deluge happens to T-Mobile soon?
Currently I get 10-22Mbps (avg ~15+Mbps down ~3+Mbps up) in my primary use area but still usually have access to 75/35 WiFi. Sprint was unenjoyable & expensive, T-Mobile has been great & relatively inexpensive with only limited slow-no zones in my use areas so far..:good:
whatsitsnamenow said:
Anything is better than the Sprint crap. I was happy with them til they started carrying the iPhones. I went from 1.3mbps, to 1, to .5, to .1, to .02, to constantly roaming on Verizon network around my home.
Location of course varies widely but I get between 3mbps to 20mbps around my home now. I have a GS3 and a Note 2 and I am happy/impress with them both.
I didn't have the Evo 4G LTE for long but man that phone has fantastic build quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Smartest move you can make, barring some unforeseen hoopla... hands down the GNII is the best phone on the planet available and TMO will be packin the best LTE punch before to long... yes other phones will be on the market soon but a majority will be barely getting to our level and those that are infact superior, wont be by much, atleast not for some time.. to think the S2 just got ICS... imagine our phone being capable of KLP and "L??" and beyond... 3 years maybe before I would get to be needing an upgrade by my math
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Meanee said:
Sounds great. I am currently on contract with Sprint, but trying to get out. How's development? Active? With Evo 4G LTE it seems that most ROMs are just small rehashes and not updated often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Development is good.

I was with Sprint for 10yrs. I can't believe I stayed that long when realizing TMobiles speed compared to them. Sprint speed is garbage!
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Depends on where you are. T-Mobile works well most of the time in NYC and I usually get several Mbps on HSPA.
---------- Post added at 08:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 AM ----------
awrnsmn said:
I was with Sprint for 10yrs. I can't believe I stayed that long when realizing TMobiles speed compared to them. Sprint speed is garbage!
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Click to expand...
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You may have chance to taste T-Mobile LTE while I read outgoing performance is good.

Well, my Note II is on a UPS truck to be delivered today. Free with 2 year contract. Will see how it goes. Will keep both services for 3-4 days and see which one works better. I am sure T-Mobile will beat Sprint. Just today, ran a speed test, 790 ping, 117kpbs down, 109kbps up, in midtown Manhattan.

Meanee said:
Well, my Note II is on a UPS truck to be delivered today. Free with 2 year contract. Will see how it goes. Will keep both services for 3-4 days and see which one works better. I am sure T-Mobile will beat Sprint. Just today, ran a speed test, 790 ping, 117kpbs down, 109kbps up, in midtown Manhattan.
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Click to collapse
I am sure you shall be happy with T-Mobile in NYC.
I used to have Sprint (Virgin Mobile) and the EV network does not work in Downtown Brooklyn, WiMax can be spotty at times, and LTE* does not exist in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
LTE test was done at corp stores.

Meanee said:
Well, my Note II is on a UPS truck to be delivered today. Free with 2 year contract. Will see how it goes. Will keep both services for 3-4 days and see which one works better. I am sure T-Mobile will beat Sprint. Just today, ran a speed test, 790 ping, 117kpbs down, 109kbps up, in midtown Manhattan.
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Click to collapse
Sprint pretty much suck on speed when it comes to Tmobile. I was with Sprint also and on the Evo 4g and only once did I switch to Tmobile and got the Note 2 did I experience heaven. My download speed at my home in Texas is 28 mbs and and upload about 4 mbps. I never go on wifi and I use my phone more than my computer now. Also, their plan is cheaper and I got unlimited everything with no cap, can't get better than that.

Meanee said:
Well, my Note II is on a UPS truck to be delivered today. Free with 2 year contract. Will see how it goes. Will keep both services for 3-4 days and see which one works better. I am sure T-Mobile will beat Sprint. Just today, ran a speed test, 790 ping, 117kpbs down, 109kbps up, in midtown Manhattan.
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Free on T-Mobile? How did u score that?
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whatsitsnamenow said:
Free on T-Mobile? How did u score that?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
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I know someone in Business department of T-Mobile. He's able to arrange Note II or S3 for free if you sign up for a new 2 year plan. Has to be a new activation (new number or port-in). I am not sure if it would violate board rules, but if someone wants it, PM me for contact info.
Basically, I got my activation fee waived, free overnight shipping. GF already has it at home. Arrived few minutes ago.

Im in North Jersey and ran a speedtest to a NYC server. ran 3 tests and got an average of 22mb down and 3mb up

I think the note 2 is a nice looking, fast phone. However at the end of the day, it's still a smartphone. You'll probably use it much the same as you would any other nice enough smartphone

Sprint May Buy T-Mobile

http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox...e_allowed_should_it_be.html?wpisrc=burger_bar
No!!!!!!!!
I escaped from that hell hold of a company. I don't want to go back to them.

I don't even care anymore. Money runs the world, nobody knows what sprint will do with them even if it goes through. I'm still waiting on aosp on my note 3
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I certainly hope this does Not happen, I had sprint for many years, and I just could not stomach having to deal with them again.

Re-carrier: Activate. Form 2-year contracts overage fees super ****ty customer service!

No! T-Mo is the only carrier that's doing it right! Sprint and VZW need to die a painful death for using the abomination that is CDMA so that we can get rid of CDMA for good and have universal GSM that works on all carriers. At least it's Sprint and not VZW though, Sprint's Note 3 is still bootloader unlocked and Sprint has truly unlimited data. I would say that puts them in 2nd place because AT&T and VZW are both monsters when it comes to contracts and bootloader locking. Ideally T-Mo will refuse, but honestly if worse comes to worst I'd rather see Sprint buy out T-Mo and build a GSM grid than see AT&T buy it and become the one and only GSM provider in the US and sell only crappy restricted locked versions of phones.

This could be a good thing, for everybody.
Lets ignore the fact sprint sucks, now lets realize softbank japan owns them & are doing everything they can to have better rollouts and structure. If Sprint does acquire tmo, its not like the tmobile towers are suddenly going to vanish, they need the tmobile structure as its better then their own.
So?
If this lets softbank focus on Sprint Spark majority rollout for Tri-band devices & LTE-A with the new influx of money and a better 4G network courtesy of magenta and not have to worry about their hideous towers currently servicing 3G/4G in overlap zones they should be able to vastly improve their networks across the board & focus on next gen tower rollouts before red or blue.
This could be a good thing, also considering I wouldn't mind going to a plan that guaranteed unlimited for life.
However, I dont think itll happen
1* ATT/TMO merger, sprint whined, whined, and whined...now THEY suddenly want to acquire them? If I was deciding I would tell sprints execs to get a life.

FCC decided against the AT&T and T-Mobile merger back in 2011, why would they approve this? granted, T-Mobile has wanted to get out of the US market for some time but such deal would not be in the best interest of the consumer.
just stirring up the pot again.... this would just lead to higher prices to cover such merger

knite75 said:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox...e_allowed_should_it_be.html?wpisrc=burger_bar
No!!!!!!!!
I escaped from that hell hold of a company. I don't want to go back to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just paid my last Sprint bill the other day. And I had to fight them for 2 months to get rid of the charges they said I would not have on my final bill. Sprint was ok, not great. When I lived in LA, service was actually top notch and the wi-max was somewhat decent. When wi-max turned out to be a piece, and I moved, they said 4g would be in my new area (Central California), like 3 years ago and we are still waiting. But quite honestly, it makes sense. Maybe this is how they are going to get 4g in my area...LOL, since I have just switched to t-mobile and service is great! I think with their new purchase of frequencies and t-mobiles already implemented 4G service, they actually stand a chance of turning into a decent wireless provider. And quite honestly, I have had terrible customer service from every carrier (except t-mobile, but it is still early). If Sprint soaks up t-mobiles network, expands the frequency bands onto it, and gets rid of CDMA, they would have an awesome network. Keep the t-mobile policies of phone purchases, unlocked bootloaders, wi-fi calling, and no-contracts with unlimited data (4G) for life from sprint and I will be the first one in the door.

T-MO wanted out of the U.S. market when when they weren't doing so well. This last year they definitely turn around and I for one don't see any reason why they can't continue that tend. The other 3 carriers have tried to follow some of the things that T-Mobile had done but are too afraid of screwing with their bottom line. But hey T-Mobile played the game with AT&T which was denied and t-mobile ended up with a 4 billion dollar pay day maybe they can do the same again.
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Oh god no, left sprint with all that we are upgrading blah blah blah talk. Wife still has them and the service has gotten worse, no thank you.

I highly doubt that will happen . They ate stronger now. Especially with the purchase of metro pcs. And they have the best deals and plans . Plus don't think it will be approved anyway nor are they even willing to sell. No one even compares the two sprint need to go sit somewhere and wise up. What if you can't beat Em buy Em ah no sorry .
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I don't think so ...

Never going to happen. The FCC will never approve.....

noobtoob said:
I just paid my last Sprint bill the other day. And I had to fight them for 2 months to get rid of the charges they said I would not have on my final bill. Sprint was ok, not great. When I lived in LA, service was actually top notch and the wi-max was somewhat decent. When wi-max turned out to be a piece, and I moved, they said 4g would be in my new area (Central California), like 3 years ago and we are still waiting. But quite honestly, it makes sense. Maybe this is how they are going to get 4g in my area...LOL, since I have just switched to t-mobile and service is great! I think with their new purchase of frequencies and t-mobiles already implemented 4G service, they actually stand a chance of turning into a decent wireless provider. And quite honestly, I have had terrible customer service from every carrier (except t-mobile, but it is still early). If Sprint soaks up t-mobiles network, expands the frequency bands onto it, and gets rid of CDMA, they would have an awesome network. Keep the t-mobile policies of phone purchases, unlocked bootloaders, wi-fi calling, and no-contracts with unlimited data (4G) for life from sprint and I will be the first one in the door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was with Sprint, my calls would constantly get dropped driving between Los Angeles and Orange County on the 405 freeway.
When contract ended, my wife and I actually went out and celebrated at a nice steakhouse, as if it was our anniversary LOL
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I Hope Not ..I Left To Get Away From Sprint ..Not Go Back ..
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knite75 said:
When I was with Sprint, my calls would constantly get dropped driving between Los Angeles and Orange County on the 405 freeway.
When contract ended, my wife and I actually went out and celebrated at a nice steakhouse, as if it was our anniversary LOL
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That is funny. I was in the north west area of LA. Didn't have many large buildings around me, but my experience was the exact same as yours when I moved to Fresno. I work literally 5 minute drive from my house, and I could not get home without my call dropping at least 3 times. And, of course my wife always had to talk to me the entire 5 minute drive home, so frustrating. They actually tore down the tower that was in between my house and my place of work, and moved it further west from where I lived. I got a free air rave and a discount, so I stuck it out until no etf. I am happy with t-mobile now, but if they did merge, they have the potential to do the right thing, and build a good network.
tweaking my note 3-alpha style

I had sprint prior to having T-mobile, their service stinks. Lol the only company who has 4G phones without a full 4G network. Last yr i remember asking a rep when 4G was coming to my area and they said it was a few yrs away smfh.
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All good points about sprint failing at this, ill also add there only offering half of what att was which was 39 billion. I agree with others T-mobile is doing much better than it was in 2010 i guarantee there laughing about sprints pathetic offer(even if its not the sprint we all know they still suck!!)
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Awww I hope not. I was with sprint for 10 years and finally jumped ship 3 weeks ago and now this!!!!! I hope not.
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asesfeemain
I too would prefer to not be a Sprint customer again. Having to purchase a full price phone is a big nut to crack but I'd rather save monthly. I wouldn't be opposed to an increased quality of T-Mo's network but I don't think Sprint is the way to make that happen. A friend of mine is getting like 5x more speed than me and he is on AT&T. The increased speed would be nice for sure