There are many cell phone services to choose from in this day and age, from the titans of communication services, AT&T and Verizon, to the ever-expanding networks of T-Mobile and Sprint. The majority will find that in most cities of a reasonably to large sized populous these services are all generally acceptable. While acceptable is a relative term, generally calls can be made without dropping out, however internet speed may be more varied, especially during times of congestion.
AT&T
AT&T is what most would consider the king of all cell phone services, offering a variety of plans including two unlimited plans.
AT&T generally has most, if not all, the premium new cell phone releases, so customers are never at a loss for options. AT&T is also one of only two carriers that offers services other than mobile plans and data. They offer internet and have partnered with Direct TV for satellite and television services as well. Generally, AT&T has nationwide service and is considered the number one telecommunication provider in the United States.
Verizon
While AT&T is mostly considered king, that is a debatable title when comparing to Verizon. A better metaphor would be a two-party system, with AT&T being one side and Verizon the other. Verizon boasts to have the best network available, and like AT&T offers most premium new cell phone releases plus a Verizon exclusive, the Google Pixel.
The Company also offers internet and TV services that are comparable quality with AT&T though not as well spread.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is up and coming and against all odds. Once upon a time, T-Mobile might have been considered bad and not at all advisable. The company’s service was not even sub-par with minimal coverage, but after a botched buyout deal with AT&T and a lawsuit that went in T-Mobile’s favor, T-Mobile has come back from the proverbial abyss.
T-Mobile has one postpaid plan; unlimited talk, text, and data, they also have add-ons which include an unlimited LTG hotspot, However no internet or TV services. Also, T-Mobile service is considered spotty but, acceptable, and as mentioned earlier service is great in a city.
Sprint
Making the same comparison as with AT&T and Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are also part of a two-party system.
Sprint, unlike T-Mobile, did not get a revenue increase due to a lawsuit, that being said the two services are still comparable. Beating the dead horse with a stick, Sprint service is fine in any moderately sized city, however, with spotty service in small cities or towns and undeveloped areas. Like the other services, Sprint has most of the premium phone releases, and only unlimited plans like T-Mobile, but it is hard to zero in on any one distinguishing factor, outside of being cheap. Sprint is a generic postpaid service and considered the fourth largest telecommunication company in the US.
Which to choose?
Let’s all say it together, “all postpaid services work reasonably well in moderately sized cities,” However, when choosing between them, it boils down to quality or price.
AT&T and Verizon vastly outclass T-Mobile and Sprint, but they come with a price. For their individual services, a premium will be paid for decent data speeds across the US and calls that will for the most part not drop out. On the other hand, T-Mobile and Sprint are both reasonably priced, with emphasis on Sprint which has the cheapest service of all major telecommunication services. T-Mobile is also reasonably priced but a little more expensive, although the network is also a little better. All in all, it boils down to two things. Is Quality the most desirable, or is functionality worth the cheaper price?