Hey all,

I'm located in Fargo, ND and I've had an Alltel 8130 for 1 1/2 years. In 6 months my contract with Alltel is up and I am going to re-evaluate my wireless needs. Alltel seems to have great reception and I rarely lose a call.

I'm pretty happy with the Pearl and don't think I want to get into a larger Blackberry phone like Tour, Bold, etc (I keep my phone in my front pants pocket). Currently, my only gripes are lack of free GPS service and the crappy camera. I think the GPS is because of Alltel. I just don't need it often enough to pay for it.

My bill comes out to $105 a month after taxes, which includes unlimited everything except only 500 anytime minutes (I never go over since I have 15 My Circle numbers). My work currently pays for 100% of my cell phone bill but I won't ask them to start paying for GPS too since I don't need it for work.

I can easily go to the other shops around town and check pricing, but what I really want to know is the DIFFERENCE between carriers, good and bad. I can get Alltel, Verizon, Unicell, Sprint/Nextel. Can't get T-Mobile. I think GPS is included with Sprint?

Any comments?

Andy
Fargo, ND

Wirelessly posted (Tmo's cheapest BB customer)

Difference in carriers will differ for area as well so its hard to generalize. So its best to check with friends or sometimes use the carrier's online tool to see how service is (reception wise).

GPS should be available with Verizon but might be an extra charge service.

sounds like an okay deal. If I had 15 people on my top, i would never touch those other minutes.

im with t-mobile.

-2 lines with my faves (5) and 700 shared minutes.
-unlimited txt and pic message for each line


(i never really talk on the phone much so i actually loose most of those minutes,*use them or loose them* and the people i talk with the most are on my faves, so that doesn't use any of the shared minutes)

-free nights and weekends

-internet with unlimited data plan only on my line.(24.99)

my bill after taxes comes to
125.00 a month give or take.

I always have excellent reception anywhere I go, except when I'm at work anywhere except in the breakroom. (go figure)



my GPS works if I need it. I haven't noticed that it charges extra or not because I rarely use it anyway.

The connection (carrier) is more important then the device, IMHO, since without a signal, the device is no good. I guess the real question is if you are that happy with Alltel, why change? Look at the new Pearl models coming out.

If you really need a good camera, my suggestion is to go buy one, not rely on your phone.

Make sure you do the research and check coverage where you plan to use the device - where you live, work, travel and play.