[keithbowles]

I am a UK BB user on a Vodafone contract and will soon moving to the USA with my work. Can I buy a BB service from a US provider? Any recommended providers?

Thanks

Keith

[nchavez]

I would try Tmobile. I used to have Sprint and it seems like I always had extra surcharges/fees that I wasn't aware of. Plus, everytime I have had an issue with Tmobile, the customer support team has always been helpful. Just my experiences... Hope it helps! Welcome to the US (if first time, otherwise, welcome back!)

[keithbowles]

Many thanks for the advice....and the welcome.

[Sith_Apprentice]

Tmobile has the smallest coverage area of the big 4 carriers. AT&T has the largest (with unused minutes rolled over month to month. on the top end of expense though). Verizons prices are nearly the same as AT&T and have nearly the same coverage. Sprint has the fastest data network (on average) over their network, with EvDO, but both Sprint and Verizon use CDMA, which wont work overseas. (they do have the 8830 which will allow for international travel, Sprints is unlocked, Verizons is not).

[dshipmon]

Originally Posted by keithbowles

I am a UK BB user on a Vodafone contract and will soon moving to the USA with my work. Can I buy a BB service from a US provider? Any recommended providers?

Thanks

Keith

I have AT&T (Curve 8310) and I enjoy it. Welcome to the USA

[david9962000]

welcome mate !

[keithbowles]

Thanks all, but can I simply buy a sim card from one of the big 4?

[kjjb0204]

Welcome to the States! Here's hoping you'll never have to find out who Hannah Montana is (if you don't already know)!

Here's my opinion on the advantages, disadvantages to each of the major carriers:

Tmobile - good device selection, usually better service plan prices. GSM, so slower browsing, network coverage not extensive in some areas.

AT&T - good device selection, superior network coverage in most areas. GSM, so slower browsing.

Sprint - Average network coverage, new $99 unlimited EVERYTHING plan that looks good. CDMA network, so fastest bb browsing available in US. Notoriously poor customer service.

Verizon - Superior network coverage, CDMA, so fastest bb browsing available in US. Comparable plans usually higher cost. Customer service not known as the best. Usually slower to adopt the newest devices (good and bad points on that).

My personal experience - I had Sprint in Florida for 10 years, never had any network coverage issues in Tampa Bay area. Moved to New Hampshire, Sprint coverage is terrible. When I moved to NH, company gave me a tmobile bb, and coverage was even worse than sprint. Cancelled sprint and tmobile. Got my company to get me Verizon bb, will never switch from Verizon, no matter how poor customer service might be (though I've never had issues with their customer service-just seems to be a common thread around here).

COVERAGE, COVERAGE, COVERAGE!!! For me, that's the most important thing and in New England, Verizon rules.

[Sith_Apprentice]

Originally Posted by keithbowles

Thanks all, but can I simply buy a sim card from one of the big 4?

AT&T offers SIM only options yes. I think Tmobile might as well. Keep in mind the differences in coverage and where you will be living and working.