I was wondering if you know of any upgrade paths to WM6 from Sprint on the original Moto Q.
by naterandrews - 10/4/07 11:55 AM
Featuring CNET Editor
Maggie Reardon
Cell phone service plans Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: Our time has ended....
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 12:04 PMWell, it looks like our time has ended. I appreciate everyone who asked questions. And I hope you found this forum useful. Please join us next week at the same bat time and same bat channel when my colleague on the CNET Reviews staff Nicole Lee will be answering questions about Bluetooth headsets and cell phone accessories. Here's the link: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=266529
Q: Hi Maggie
by naterandrews - 10/4/07 11:53 AMHow was your day? (You didn't specify which kind of questions lol)
A: My day has been busy!
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 12:00 PMYou're right I didn't specify! My day has been good so far, but very busy. Thanks for taking a personal interest in me! It's not often that readers ask how I'm doing! Ha!
Q: Sprint's Q
by naterandrews - 10/4/07 11:55 AMI was wondering if you know of any upgrade paths to WM6 from Sprint on the original Moto Q.
A: Sprint's Q
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:59 AMHonestly, I don't know the answer to this question. But if you ping me offline: maggie.reardon@cnet.com, maybe I can help you find the answer.
Q: iPhone???
by dasilva64 - 10/4/07 11:55 AMWhat do you think about the iPhone and it's plans with AT&T? Do you think other providers will be offering it soon as well?
A: AT&T and iPhone
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:58 AMHonestly, I don't know how long the exclusive deal is with AT&T. My gut is that AT&T locked them into at least a couple of years. If they are smart they would have locked Apple into enough time until the iPhone comes out for 3G because I think we could see a big surge in people buying it when it's 3G capable. I know I'd be a lot more likely to buy it. People I know with iPhones now say the Wi-Fi is great, but that surfing the web on the 2.5 G EDGE network is painfully slow.
Q: Pearl 8130
by mountain_racer - 10/4/07 11:54 AMJust announced that it will be available for CDMA. Any thoughts or comments when compared to other "smart" phones?
A: I like the Pearl but...
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:56 AMI think the Pearl is a cool phone. And the good thing about the CDMA version is that it's 3G so that means faster web surfing and email downloads. But what I dont like about it, personally, is the truncated keypad. It feels too much like using a regular phone for text messaging and I really hate that. It's why I hate texting on my cheap bare bones cell phone I use right now. But as far as the CDMA vs GSM Pearl the only big difference I see is the 3G stuff and that is a pretty big difference in my opinion. It's like comparing dial up to broadband.
A: Only a short time left...
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:53 AMWe've only got a few minutes left. So if you've got questions fire away! My fingers are poised for typing!
Q: What's missing?
by mwsmith824 - 10/4/07 11:40 AMWhat would you say is missing from the current offering of cell phones and their service plans? Do you see any glaring "Why aren't they offering this?" for both phones and service plans?
A: What's missing?
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:49 AMThis is a good question. Because there is definitely a lot missing in my opinion. On the phone front, the big thing I see that is missing is in the smart phone category. It seems the market is segmented by phones for business users and phones for people who want to listen to music and watch tv and get personal email. the biz phones seem clunky to me and they all pretty much look the same. What I'd really like to see is more biz functionality in a cooler form factor. For example, I really like the look and feel of the Ocean from Helio. I also think that cell phone makers and carriers have missed the mark on user interfaces. I think people want a similar web surfing and email experience as they have on their PCs. Apple has done this well with the iPhone. The web pages look the same nd they've made it easy to use. Now we just need other cell phone makers to think this way. Now as far as plans go, data plans are still too expensive in my opinion. And they are complicated to figure out. You get unlimited emailing, but not unlimited "messaging". And to get both with enough voice minutes to actualy talk on your phone regularly, you have to pay over $100. And that is just too much in my opinion.
Q: Voyager?
by Salomonskier720 - 10/4/07 11:40 AMMy good friend is in the hunt for the best verizon smart phone out there. He currently has a Q and loved that. He is waiting for the phones that are comming out in this month and the next to decide what he will get. It must have a Qwerty keyboard or one like it. It also must be a phone like the Q that syncs w/ outlook from our company. he is an extremely bright IT guy. Have you gotten a chance too look at the voyager, or play w/ it. Do you know of positives/ negatives, or revolutaniary things w/ it??? He has also been waiting for the new ic760 by samsung. He was planning on getting this phone when it comes out, but then was second guessing himself when he saw the voyager. any advice or inside info would be great. Thanks again.!!
A: I also want a smart phone from VZ!
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:45 AMYour friend and I are in the same boat. I have been looking for a smart phone too and I would like to become a Verizon customer. But honestly, I have been disappointed with the choices offered by the company. The Voyager didn't really impress me. The company is billing it more as a "multimedia" phone for music, movies and TV than as a true smart phone. I did get to see it. But I haven't really tested it out to see how easy it is to get email or to sync the email with a work account. I personally would like to see more Windows mobile choices from Verizon. And I had hoped that they would be showing off a new HTC device. But I was sadly disappointed. But who knows, maybe they will come out with a few more things before the holidays. The PR folks I spoke with said the four phones they introduced weren't the only phones they'd be rolling out before the holidays.
Q: The locking problem
by mwsmith824 - 10/4/07 11:30 AMHow do you think the phone locking situation is going to play out? Will it come to lawsuits and govt intervention to make phone companies eliminate the locking of phones? Or do you think the market will eventually push itself the way of euro phone companies where there aren't any subsidies, but all phones are unlocked?
A: Locked phones and the future
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:37 AMI think it could be a combination. I think there should be more lawsuits challenging the carrier's on this issue. But I also think eventually the change will come as a result of market change. I think we'll probably see over the next couple of years if American consumers can stomach buying cell phones with out subsidies. We've already got the iPhone priced at $400 without a subsidy and still requiring a 2 year contract. But in the end, I think it will take a long time before the carriers loosen their grip on controlling the cell phone subscriber here in the U.S.
Q: Buying you out of a plan?
by Salomonskier720 - 10/4/07 11:28 AMI currently have sprint with a fairly new plan. I get 1000 anytime minutes. Nights and weekends at 7 p.m. and Unlimited data(includes text and video msgs) and also a insurance charge that all adds up where I pay around 75 dollars a month. I am looking at all the new phones that verizon is comming out with(samsung) ic760 and the lg voyager and I really wish I would have waited to lengthen my contract. I was wondering if you have ever herd of verizon buying anyone out of there plans.(probably about 200 cancelation fee) and also, will my plan cost skyrocket compared to what I am paying right now? Should I just cool my jets and sit tight for $ reasons? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. Sorry about the previous post.(new keyboard).
A: Buying you out of a plan
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:33 AMI have never heard of Verizon buying someone out of a plan. But that's not to say it can't happen. You can call a sales rep and see if they want you to come back badly enough to pay the fee. But I have to tell you, you're getting a really good deal with Sprint. I was checking out Verizon pricing for data and voice packages and the cheapest one is $80 for 450 minutes and unlimited emailing. This doesn't include unlimited text messaging too. So if I were you and you are happy with the coverage you get from Sprint, I might just cool my jets. The Voyager isn't that cool.
Q: Beginner
by aj-rube - 10/4/07 11:27 AMI live in Eastern Tennessee. Is there an internet site I can go to that will show the various companies and plans? I am looking for a service that will allow me unlimited minutes (or roll over)for calls across the US.
A: Finding a carrier
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:31 AMI dont know of any one site that will show who is offering service in your area. I would first ask friends and family who they use. And if they like the coverage offered by the provider. But you can also check out coverage maps on the websites of each of the carriers to see if they claim to offer the service there. Again I'd still try to check with friends and family to make sure the coverage is adequate.
Q: Activating an unlocked phone.
by nopwaskeyj - 10/4/07 11:26 AMMy current contract with Sprint is almost over and I am looking at getting a new phone. I really like some of the Nokia phones that are not currently offered by US providers. If I were to purchase a new a new unlocked phone from Nokia will a provider like AT&T allow me to activate it as a new customer? If so, what is the process and will I still have to sign a new contract?
A: Unlocked phones
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:29 AMI like the Nokia phones too. And it's real shame the US carriers dont offer more of them. To use an unlocked phone, you would likely just sign up for a AT&T service and take the SIM card from the phone you get with the service. Depending on what kind of service you want, you might still have to sign a contract, unfortunately.
Q: Your love for T-Mobile
by definitelyian - 10/4/07 11:24 AMYou seem to be very keen on T-Mobile. While they are the cheapest I don't agree with the thought that they have great city coverage and customer service. I recently switched from T-Mobile here in NYC because of the quailty of their coverage. T-Mobile has the lowest prices in the industry for a reason.
You should stress the importance of trying out a carrier and taking advantage of their return policy. Everyone should find the carrier that works best for them.
A: No love for T-Mobile
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:27 AMI don't really love T-Mobile. In fact, I wouldn't subscribe to the service just for the coverage reasons. But it's cheap. And I must admit I am always looking for a good deal. But like I said overall they seem to have good customer satisfaction. But you're right, you should try out the service and make sure it works where you need it to work. Because in the end, even if it's cheap, if you can't actually use the service it does you no good.
Q: (NT) Buying you out of a plan.
by Salomonskier720 - 10/4/07 11:22 AMA: Buying out of a plan
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:24 AMSomehow your question didn't post. Do you want to try again? I'm not sure what you're asking. Thanks.
Q: Text Messaging Data Plan Rates
by dasilva64 - 10/4/07 11:11 AMMy daughter loves to text message and it can get pretty expensive. She wants this phone from T-mobile that flips and has a keyboard. The cheapest rate I've been able to decipher for unlimited text message is $70 a month. Do you know of anything cheaper. Theres's no way I'm going to pay that much for her plan.
A: T-Mobile's Text messaging FAQ
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:22 AMHere is a link to T-Mobile's FAQ on text messaging. This might help.
http://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm21296.htm?WT.srch=2&Result_Inq=answer&InqSource=TMO#FAQ18
Q: GSM in the United States
by LottaofLuck - 10/4/07 11:10 AMI recently traveled overseas to Hong Kong. And I brought my GSM tri-band global with me. And to use my cell phone I simply went to a 7-Eleven type store, bought a prepaid GSM card loaded with 100 minutes and just plugged it into my cell phone and started using it. It was absolutely painless!!
Can you explain why in the US the cellular companies haven't adapted to this?
A: International travel
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:20 AMAnother thought on this. When you decide to travel overseas and use your GSM phone, make sure it's a tri-band or quad-band phone. Even though many countries use the GSM technology, they use different frequency bands in different parts of the world. A quad band phone, should give you work pretty much anywhere in the world with a local SIM card.
Q: Text Messaging Data Plan Rates
by dasilva64 - 10/4/07 11:11 AMMy daughter loves to text message and it can get pretty expensive. She wants this phone from T-mobile that flips and has a keyboard. The cheapest rate I've been able to decipher for unlimited text message is $70 a month. Do you know of anything cheaper. Theres's no way I'm going to pay that much for her plan.
A: Unlimited Texting
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:17 AMWow, that sounds pretty high. Most of the carriers offer unlimited text messaging for about $10 or $15 extra a month. I just checked T-Mobile's web site and it looks like you can add it for $14.99 per month. Maybe you could reduce her talk minutes and just add the unlimited text messaging? Hope this helps. And good luck!
Q: GSM in the United States
by LottaofLuck - 10/4/07 11:10 AMI recently traveled overseas to Hong Kong. And I brought my GSM tri-band global with me. And to use my cell phone I simply went to a 7-Eleven type store, bought a prepaid GSM card loaded with 100 minutes and just plugged it into my cell phone and started using it. It was absolutely painless!!
Can you explain why in the US the cellular companies haven't adapted to this?
A: International travel
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:12 AMThat's awesome! That's the way it should be! That is what's great about GSM phones. But be wary, the Verizon World Phone--the new Blackberry 8830 won't allow you to do this. It only allows you to use Vodafone's network overseas and you can't swap out the SIM card to use another carrier's network. Also it's expensive. You not only have to sign up with Verizon for an international plan, but you also have to pay the high per minute charge through Vodafone.
A: T-Mobile again
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:10 AMI forgot to mention--T-Mobile is attractive because it's pretty cheap. Even it's data service, which runs over a slower network is priced very competitively compared to the other big guys like Verizon and AT&T.
A: T-Mobile
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:08 AMT-Mobile often ranks very high in customer satisfaction. It also offers great coverage if you live in a big urban area. The problem comes, of course, when you decide to leave that area. They have very poor coverage outside the major cities. And they don't yet have a 3G network for fast data surfing. But it's coming. The company bought a lot of spectrum in the last FCC auction and they are planning to expand the network and build out 3G.
A: Location, location, location
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:06 AMPicking a cell phone provider is often very dependent on where you live and where you'll expect to use your cell phone the most. For example, in the Northeast where I live Verizon's network is the best. But its rate plans for voice and data are pricey compared to other big competitors like Sprint, AT&T or T-Mobile.
Q: what cell phone carrier to pick for regular but minimal and local cell phone usage?
by cemptor - 10/4/07 11:01 AMMy wife just needs a phone for emergencey use and short conversations while driving between work and home. The big carriers don't offer anything lss that $40 a month, and need a 2 year contract to boot, which is a bit much for occaisional service.
Prepaid plans are expensive at 10-25 cents a minute.
A: Pay as you go
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 11:03 AMIn your situation I might go with a pay as you go service. I actually got one for my Dad for Xmas. I went with an AT&T GoPhone. The coverage in his area was pretty good and the price was also good. But if you are in an area where you can get good coverage from Sprint, there are lots of smaller MVNOs that use Sprint's network and they offer cheap cell phone minutes. Virgin Mobile is probably a good choice.
A: Looking for data plan?
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 10:59 AMCoincidentally, I'm actually in the market for a new cell phone and service plan. I'm looking for a smart phone with a data plan. But I have to admit that navigating the different plans seems tricky. So far, I've found that T-Mobile and Sprint are offering some pretty good deals.
A: Welcome everyone!
by Maggie Reardon - 10/4/07 10:56 AMHi! I'm Maggie Reardon, senior writer for News.com, and I'm ready to answer your questions about cell phone plans. So fire away!
Incoming questions
Sprint's Q
iPhone???
What do you think about the iPhone and it's plans with AT&T? Do you think other providers will be offering it soon as well?
by dasilva64 - 10/4/07 11:55 AM
Pearl 8130
Just announced that it will be available for CDMA. Any thoughts or comments when compared to other "smart" phones?
by mountain_racer - 10/4/07 11:54 AM
Hi Maggie
How was your day? (You didn't specify which kind of questions lol)
by naterandrews - 10/4/07 11:53 AM
What's missing?
What would you say is missing from the current offering of cell phones and their service plans? Do you see any glaring "Why aren't they offering this?" for both phones and service plans?
by mwsmith824 - 10/4/07 11:40 AM
Voyager?
My good friend is in the hunt for the best verizon smart phone out there. He currently has a Q and loved that. He is waiting for the phones that are comming out in this month and the next to decide what he will get. It must have a Qwerty keyboard or one like it. It also must be a phone like the Q that syncs w/ outlook from our company. he is an extremely bright IT guy. Have you gotten a chance too look at the voyager, or play w/ it. Do you know of positives/ negatives, or revolutaniary things w/ it??? He has also been waiting for the new ic760 by samsung. He was planning on getting this phone when it comes out, but then was second guessing himself when he saw the voyager. any advice or inside info would be great. Thanks again.!!
by Salomonskier720 - 10/4/07 11:40 AM
The locking problem
How do you think the phone locking situation is going to play out? Will it come to lawsuits and govt intervention to make phone companies eliminate the locking of phones? Or do you think the market will eventually push itself the way of euro phone companies where there aren't any subsidies, but all phones are unlocked?
by mwsmith824 - 10/4/07 11:30 AM
Buying you out of a plan?
I currently have sprint with a fairly new plan. I get 1000 anytime minutes. Nights and weekends at 7 p.m. and Unlimited data(includes text and video msgs) and also a insurance charge that all adds up where I pay around 75 dollars a month. I am looking at all the new phones that verizon is comming out with(samsung) ic760 and the lg voyager and I really wish I would have waited to lengthen my contract. I was wondering if you have ever herd of verizon buying anyone out of there plans.(probably about 200 cancelation fee) and also, will my plan cost skyrocket compared to what I am paying right now? Should I just cool my jets and sit tight for $ reasons? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. Sorry about the previous post.(new keyboard).
by Salomonskier720 - 10/4/07 11:28 AM
Beginner
I live in Eastern Tennessee. Is there an internet site I can go to that will show the various companies and plans? I am looking for a service that will allow me unlimited minutes (or roll over)for calls across the US.
by aj-rube - 10/4/07 11:27 AM
Activating an unlocked phone.
My current contract with Sprint is almost over and I am looking at getting a new phone. I really like some of the Nokia phones that are not currently offered by US providers. If I were to purchase a new a new unlocked phone from Nokia will a provider like AT&T allow me to activate it as a new customer? If so, what is the process and will I still have to sign a new contract?
by nopwaskeyj - 10/4/07 11:26 AM
Your love for T-Mobile
You seem to be very keen on T-Mobile. While they are the cheapest I don't agree with the thought that they have great city coverage and customer service. I recently switched from T-Mobile here in NYC because of the quailty of their coverage. T-Mobile has the lowest prices in the industry for a reason.
You should stress the importance of trying out a carrier and taking advantage of their return policy. Everyone should find the carrier that works best for them.
You should stress the importance of trying out a carrier and taking advantage of their return policy. Everyone should find the carrier that works best for them.
by definitelyian - 10/4/07 11:24 AM
Text Messaging Data Plan Rates
My daughter loves to text message and it can get pretty expensive. She wants this phone from T-mobile that flips and has a keyboard. The cheapest rate I've been able to decipher for unlimited text message is $70 a month. Do you know of anything cheaper. Theres's no way I'm going to pay that much for her plan.
by dasilva64 - 10/4/07 11:11 AM
GSM in the United States
I recently traveled overseas to Hong Kong. And I brought my GSM tri-band global with me. And to use my cell phone I simply went to a 7-Eleven type store, bought a prepaid GSM card loaded with 100 minutes and just plugged it into my cell phone and started using it. It was absolutely painless!!
Can you explain why in the US the cellular companies haven't adapted to this?
Can you explain why in the US the cellular companies haven't adapted to this?
by LottaofLuck - 10/4/07 11:10 AM
what cell phone carrier to pick for regular but minimal and local cell phone usage?
My wife just needs a phone for emergencey use and short conversations while driving between work and home. The big carriers don't offer anything lss that $40 a month, and need a 2 year contract to boot, which is a bit much for occaisional service.
Prepaid plans are expensive at 10-25 cents a minute.
Prepaid plans are expensive at 10-25 cents a minute.
by cemptor - 10/4/07 11:01 AM
Maggie Reardon , CNET News.com senior writer Live!
Ask the Editors Live: Cell phone service plans
Got questions about Cell phone service plans? Well, you've come to the right place.
Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, October 4th. Our host will be CNET News.com senior writer Maggie Reardon, who will be here to answer your questions about cell phone plans--ranging from how to pick the best carrier to which providers offer the newest and coolest services and features.
So get your questions ready for Maggie and don't miss out on this live chat event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
Got questions about Cell phone service plans? Well, you've come to the right place.
Our next upcoming Ask the Editors Live chat begins at 11 a.m. Pacific Time (2 p.m. Eastern), Thursday, October 4th. Our host will be CNET News.com senior writer Maggie Reardon, who will be here to answer your questions about cell phone plans--ranging from how to pick the best carrier to which providers offer the newest and coolest services and features.
So get your questions ready for Maggie and don't miss out on this live chat event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 9/27/07 4:24 AM
