These past few months, I’ve been seriously considering HOW to get a new phone and/or provider for my family. If it was just me, there wouldn’t be a problem…I’d already have switched and been using a new device. Fortunately, it’s not just about me! 8->
Unfortunately, though, too. Here’s why (and “I” refers to my family and I):
Current Phone Situation:
- I have service with AT&T and have a nice plan (1500 minutes, unlimited text) for about $215 a month.
- 4 phones, all unlimited text and family plan.
- My family and I don’t like AT&T (we dropped them and switched to Cingular but then they bought Cingular) because monthly charges just go up steadily (or at least, they did until we had a “Come to….” meeting with them and “locked” things in).
Where I’d like To Be with a Phone:
- I want a phone that support Internet surfing, Gmail and other GoogleApps easily
- I want a phone that supports MS Exchange (for work email)
- I want a keyboard, not a virtual one but one similar to what you might see on a Blackberry.
- I want to be able to use a Twitter app, as well as Facebook.
- I want to be able to read RSS feeds on it
- I want a camera that allows for still images and video recording
Now, to accomplish this with AT&T service (my contracts are about due up in February, so I’m free to move on):
- To get 4 iPhones (3GS or 3G depending on person) would cost about $500 just for the devices. This includes 1500 minutes and unlimited text
- Then, I’d have to get 4 x $30 per month, or $120 worth of data plans each month
- Add the total cost of $215 regular plus $120 worth of data plan, that’s $335…unacceptable for a monthly bill for mobile phones.
Simply, this puts the iPhone out of my budget. I could be mean and tell my family, “No, you don’t get this,” but that’s not the way we do things. The killer isn’t the up front cost, it’s the monthly cost.
So, all along, I’ve also been considering T-Mobile and Verizon. I’ve heard many lousy things about Verizon, but T-Mobile keeps coming up on top.
I worked out pricing for T-Mobile, and it looks like this:
- 4 G1 Android phones all with data plans
- Total due monthly of $219
- Startup cost is $549.96 ($399.96 + $150 activation fee)
- Get all the Gmail compatibility with Android features
In reviewing this, T-Mobile looks like a better deal all around. What am I missing?
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Miguel, you all need the iphone – it is life changing
Miguel, you all need the iphone – it is life changing
Take another look at Verizon. They've finally started getting decent phones, and their family plan is a lot better than AT&T (1,400 mins/unlimited texts/unlimited calls to Verizon customers for 4 lines is $140). Data plans would be another $30 for each smart phone per month. Does all four need to be a smartphone? Could one or two of them get by with a feature phone and the $10/25mb plan?Phones would be a killer, the Droid is $200, but the Eris is only $80.I don't work for Verizon, but in are area there are only two choices, Verizon or Alltel, so that should give you some idea of their coverage. I've never had any issues.
Take another look at Verizon. They've finally started getting decent phones, and their family plan is a lot better than AT&T (1,400 mins/unlimited texts/unlimited calls to Verizon customers for 4 lines is $140). Data plans would be another $30 for each smart phone per month. Does all four need to be a smartphone? Could one or two of them get by with a feature phone and the $10/25mb plan?Phones would be a killer, the Droid is $200, but the Eris is only $80.I don't work for Verizon, but in are area there are only two choices, Verizon or Alltel, so that should give you some idea of their coverage. I've never had any issues.
I had the G1 and Tmobile and I now have the Droid on Verizon. I do not recommend the G1 and Tmob. I couldnt be happier with my switch- Im a HEAVY google apps user. Not sure if the G1 will actually get android 2.0 but im sure it wont hold anything past that. Service wise, Verizon has been MUCH improved for me in both coverage and speed (although I know tmob was rolling out their high speed network now after I left).I know AT&T and Verizon just went on a price war too so maybe you can take advantage of that.
I had the G1 and Tmobile and I now have the Droid on Verizon. I do not recommend the G1 and Tmob. I couldnt be happier with my switch- Im a HEAVY google apps user. Not sure if the G1 will actually get android 2.0 but im sure it wont hold anything past that. Service wise, Verizon has been MUCH improved for me in both coverage and speed (although I know tmob was rolling out their high speed network now after I left).I know AT&T and Verizon just went on a price war too so maybe you can take advantage of that.
btw… we have an iphone in the house as well and without jailbreaking it it doesnt come close to the capabilities of the droid.
btw… we have an iphone in the house as well and without jailbreaking it it doesnt come close to the capabilities of the droid.
I got an Android phone and I love it. Incredible Google integration with Gmail, Google voice, etc. In fact, it will allow you to make calls and texts from your Google Voice number. My kids are not old enough for phones, so I am no help on the family plan.Good luck on your decision
I got an Android phone and I love it. Incredible Google integration with Gmail, Google voice, etc. In fact, it will allow you to make calls and texts from your Google Voice number. My kids are not old enough for phones, so I am no help on the family plan.Good luck on your decision
The monthly fee is a killer, and probably will be with any carrier since you'll be paying the $30 data charge for each smartphone you get.I'm not sure what experiences you've heard or had with Verizon, but their coverage is great and they seem to be making a real push to upgrade their phones. I've had the droid for 3 months and the google integration is fabulous!
The monthly fee is a killer, and probably will be with any carrier since you'll be paying the $30 data charge for each smartphone you get.I'm not sure what experiences you've heard or had with Verizon, but their coverage is great and they seem to be making a real push to upgrade their phones. I've had the droid for 3 months and the google integration is fabulous!