<p>Hey guys, I have t-mobile currently, but was thinking about switching my cell phone provider, but I am worried about the quality of signal throughout GW dorms and academic buildings for particular carriers. Does anyone have any advice on which carriers get the best/worst signals? I was thinking about switching to AT&T specifically, but I'd welcome any info on any of the major carriers. I just don't want to get a brand new phone that I won't be able to use unless sitting in a windowsill or outside anyway, I just want to be able to contact my parents, friends, etc without a problem.</p>
<p>Verizon is the best. Washington has like a deal with Verizon. Even their arena is Verizon Stadium. Initially I had AT&T and I couldn’t have any reception. Since I changed, I can even talk in the subways! I hope it helps</p>
<p>At CI a bunch of people were having trouble with their iPhones, which AT&T obviously carries. And why go to AT&T to NOT have the iphone. I’ve had verizon my whole cell-phoned life and never had any problems with it anywhere (California, DC, etc)</p>
<p>Dont switch to ATT! I have Verizon and my mom has ATT: she could barely make a call during CI and when she did, it was broken up and scratchy. Her brand new iPhone couldn’t pick up much of the 3G or Edge network for data either. She had been thinking of switching me to a family plan to save money but said no way after using her phone for the four days we were there. Verizon was flawless.</p>
<p>So, I have an iPhone 3GS with ATandT and I can’t switch to any other provider, b/c of my contract. Is this going to be a huge problem for me, be honest?</p>
<p>greene: yes, it will be a big problem. I had initially ATT and I couldn’t even talk for more than 30 seconds without losing recption. So much trouble trying to pay attention to the other party, that at times I was getting nauseous. In an emergency, that is not what you need. Now, anywhere, crowded or not, above or underground, I feel free to have any conversation. Sorry, see if there is any way you can get out of the plan. Honest</p>
<p>My S, now a senior, has AT&T and is using an iphone. He got his iphone last year while living in the dorms. He did have some problems when he went in to the elevator, but otherwise he could use his phone anywhere in his dorm, on campus and in the DC neighborhood. No, it doesn’t work on the Metro, but he hasn’t found it to be a huge deal. Previous to having his iphone, I don’t remember what he had, his other cell worked about as good as the iphone. Since Sept 2006 he’s had AT&T while in DC with little problem.Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Oh thank god! After having an iPhone for so long, I don’t know what I’d do without it. All other phones can’t compare.
I don’t really care if it won’t work in elevators or the subway (why would anyone?). Most phones don’t work well there anyways…</p>
<p>Just be prepared to switch if you have to. My mom was really frustrated with her iPhone during CI. She has been using an iPhone since they first came out, but just bought the new 3Gs before CI…if you have an older one though it may be better. She said her old 2G that she gave my brother worked better for reception back home too. Hope it works out.</p>
<p>FYI: we were at Verizon upgrading my phone and my mom mentioned the problem in DC, the sale rep said that Verizon has the government sercurity accounts which may be why the signal is so strong for them.</p>
<p>everyone is WAY overexaggerating how bad AT&T is. at CI i had NO problem with my AT&T phone, and friends i no at GW have had no problem with AT&T other than on the metro, and how often are u actually talking on the phone on the metro? rarely. so if you have AT&T, really dont worry.</p>
<p>Kid: you were at CI. I survived in here a whole year thanks to Verizon. People used to get frustrated with my phone b/c my calls were constantly cut off until I changed.</p>
<p>IN DC- I would check to see if ATT has the 30 trial and get it once school starts so you can cancel if not happy. It could depend on the phone so you might want to find out what other students are using with ATT that work.</p>
<p>I just spent the weekend in DC and my AT&T service with my Blackberry Curve worked just fine, all over campus and in elevators too. The only time I didn’t have service was in the parking garage!</p>