General question regarding cell phones

I want to purchase another cell phone. I experience dropped calls daily no matter where I am in or around the Memphis area. I presently have a Razor v3. I decided to try a more expensive phone and was looking at the Razr v3xx. Since I am an internet junkie, I was interested in getting a phone that could access the internet (if the service is not too expensive). I read on this forum that one can actually acquire a wi-fi connection on a cell phone without having a data package through your service provider. Is this correct? If not, how much is the data package for internet access through AT&T? Is the v3xx a good choice? If not, what would be a better choice? Thanks for your comments.

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yes, phones like the apple iphone, blueberry storm, samsung omnia, all allow you to connect to the internet with a wi-fi connection, without having a data package from your provider, and since these phones are 3G compatible, your internet is going to be extremely fast (for a phone)

i hope this helps you slightly

Be careful though when looking at phones for 3G, it is much faster but you have to check first and make sure you live in a 3G coverage area. Otherwise going for a phone with wi-fi access and you can access internet for free in wi-fi hot spots, but if you decide to get a data plan so you can access it anywhere be prepared to pay $30 a month for it, the PDA phones require that one whereas a non-PDA phone only requires a $15 a month plan for unlimited access.

You must make sure that the phone you are using is Wi-Fi enabled. The RAZR V3xx will not be Wi-Fi capable. Usually, these phones are very limited. You need to shop around.

The data plans with AT&T are as follows:

• Pay per use: $0.01 per KB. This adds up since a KB is very small.
• MEdia Max Unlimited (Text and Web) $35.00.
  
• MEdia Net Unlimited (Web) $15.00

It appears they have no other pricing options. Click here to view the same page I did. Zipcode may be required. The pricing options above are not for PDA/Smartphone or Blackberry devices. Those pricing options are even higher. The prices listed above will be the same you would need for the RAZR.


Also, if you receive dropped calls, the odds are is that you will experience issues using the carriers 3G capabilities, since the towers for them may be on the same tower as the voice service or on its own tower, nearby. I checked your coverage with AT&T. You should have somewhat good voice coverage. 3G data coverage is also available, but it will be spotty in some locations. Also, the phone can have a little bit to do with poor coverage, but Motorolas are known for having superior signal.

Have you considered another wireless network? You need to shop around, because it is unacceptable to receive dropped calls...especially in a location like Memphis. I checked with Verizon Wireless' Coverage Locator. They also showed full bar signal throughout the area. They also show Mobile TV coverage, which is a rare occasion. Have you ever considered switching? Try Verizon Wireless.

Originally Posted by slclem

I want to purchase another cell phone. I experience dropped calls daily no matter where I am in or around the Memphis area. I presently have a Razor v3. I decided to try a more expensive phone and was looking at the Razr v3xx. Since I am an internet junkie, I was interested in getting a phone that could access the internet (if the service is not too expensive). I read on this forum that one can actually acquire a wi-fi connection on a cell phone without having a data package through your service provider. Is this correct? If not, how much is the data package for internet access through AT&T? Is the v3xx a good choice? If not, what would be a better choice? Thanks for your comments.

Whats a Blueberry Storm

Thanks for all of your comments.

I have a cell phone for by wife and myself so I need to consider the monthly charge. The AT&T family plan plus rollover minutes helps keep to control my cost. I considered changing to Cellular South in this area. They have a plan for unlimited anytime minutes and it is relatively the same as AT&T. Problem is their phones do not use sim cards like AT&T. I like the ability to change phones by swapping my sim card. The people I talk to using Cellular South do not experience dropped calls. I hate dropped calls especially when it happens several times per call which happens. I don't have dropped calls all day on every call but it will happen several times a day.

I don't know how much time I would actually spend accessing the web from my cell but I thought it would interesting so I would try to purchase a phone with this capability.

I am afraid Verizon would be more costly for me with my wife talking to kids, etc. Plus, I have times I talk a lot on my cell regarding my profession.

I will re-investigate Cellular South.