At 30 Apr 2008 22:53:32 -0500 Scott wrote:
> > A lot of consumers depend on Consumer Reports, and since Verizon is
> > ranked so much higher than all the other carriers, these consumers will
> > only go with Verizon. Just look at how Verizon extends it's lead every
> > quarter in the postpaid market.
>
>
> And nowhere in CR does it mention that Verizon is the only carrier that
> some people consider, as you claimed. So, we are back to square one- you
> made a big claim that you can't back up. Again.
>
> Wanna try to provide a source to back up your claim?
I'll point to one that, if it doesn't necessarily refute his claim, at
least deflates it a bit...
http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...E/182393100/10
51/newsletter16 (Sorry about the word wrap...)
It's an RCR Wireless News article that covered a study about why people
choose/switch carriers. Of particular note:
"The market research firm found that 22% of consumers cited better coverage
as the primary reason for switching carriers -- down substantially from 27%
in a November 2006 survey -- while price was the deciding factor for 19% of
users, an increase over the 14% in the prior poll..."
So, essentially fewer people are looking for better coverage this year than
last, but more people are shopping on price. I'd say that looks (to me)
like coverage is becoming less of an issue each year. So, does that
suggest that the carriers' coverage areas are getting less disparate, or is
it that maybe people arejust becoming more tolerant of dropped calls and
weak signal? I'd gamble it's the former...
[While not really directly related to the topic at hand, I'm sorry- I'm
just too weak-willed to pass a up a slight jab at the iPhone: at the very
BOTTOM of the reasons to switch carriers was "the desire for a specific
phone (3%)." It does help explain, however, why carriers don't seem to be
negatively impacted by lousy handset selections.]