[Schaumburger]

I have been an A T & T (and it's predecessor companies) cell phone customer since 1992. I started with a big old bag phone in 1992 -- remember those?

Right now with A T & T I'm paying $44 per month for 250 daytime mins., 1,000 night and weekend mins., 200 text msgs. per month, and I have no internet access on my A T & T phone. I don't want to spend another $30 per month to get an A T & T's data plan for my phone

Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk Plan for $45/month is offering 1,200 anytime mins. per month and unlimited web access and unlimited texting. There is no contract to sign; you just have your debit or credit card charged each month for the service -- at least that is what I was told on the phone today.

I understand that Virgin Mobile accesses the Sprint network.

Does anyone in TV have experience with Virgin Mobile's service -- like it, dislike it, love it, hate it? I'm in Chicago, but wanted to get some feedback. I looked on Virgin Mobile's web site, but that web site only post positive feedback of course.

The phone I'm thinking of getting -- the LG Optimus Slider runs on the Android 2.3 operating system and has 3G speed and Wi-Fi. Now I'm not the most tech savvy person. If I got this LG Optimus Slider, how would I use the phone to connect to internet when I'm at work (my employer's internet access is locked down tighter than Ft. Knox) or if I'm out and about -- shopping, at a restaurant, at the movies, etc.

Thanks in advance for any information and feedback.

[memason]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

I have been an A T & T (and it's predecessor companies) cell phone customer since 1992. I started with a big old bag phone in 1992 -- remember those?

Right now with A T & T I'm paying $44 per month for 250 daytime mins., 1,000 night and weekend mins., 200 text msgs. per month, and I have no internet access on my A T & T phone. I don't want to spend another $30 per month to get an A T & T's data plan for my phone

Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk Plan for $45/month is offering 1,200 anytime mins. per month and unlimited web access and unlimited texting. There is no contract to sign; you just have your debit or credit card charged each month for the service -- at least that is what I was told on the phone today.

I understand that Virgin Mobile accesses the Sprint network.

Does anyone in TV have experience with Virgin Mobile's service -- like it, dislike it, love it, hate it? I'm in Chicago, but wanted to get some feedback. I looked on Virgin Mobile's web site, but that web site only post positive feedback of course.

The phone I'm thinking of getting -- the LG Optimus Slider runs on the Android 2.3 operating system and has 3G speed and Wi-Fi. Now I'm not the most tech savvy person. If I got this LG Optimus Slider, how would I use the phone to connect to internet when I'm at work (my employer's internet access is locked down tighter than Ft. Knox) or if I'm out and about -- shopping, at a restaurant, at the movies, etc.

Thanks in advance for any information and feedback.

I have the Virgin Mobile MiFi unit, which also uses the Sprint network and have been very happy with it. We live in St. Charles and had a good signal, prior to having our permanent internet connection installed. From experience, Sprint signal is excellent in the Chicagoland area. We still use the unit when we travel...would not leave home without it!

Don't know anything about your specific phone, but you will use the 3G network, when you do not have access to a WiFi network...ie, in the car, walking around town, the mall, etc. If your employer has the network locked down, as you say, you will use your 3G connection there also. If you have WiFi in your home, you will be able to connect your phone to that network.

If you need anything more specific, PM me and I'll do what I can to help...

[damily]

There's an app on all smart phones that automatically connects you to the internet, email, google, etc. - as long as you have a data plan. I've had AT&T forever also. They are building two new cell towers in TV and Wildwood to handle the growth here in TV. Since the construction the cell service here has been questionable at best. HOWEVER, I just learned that AT&T is offering up to 75% off your bill if you have service in TV. It's worth checking into......

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by damily

There's an app on all smart phones that automatically connects you to the internet, email, google, etc. - as long as you have a data plan. I've had AT&T forever also. They are building two new cell towers in TV and Wildwood to handle the growth here in TV. Since the construction the cell service here has been questionable at best. HOWEVER, I just learned that AT&T is offering up to 75% off your bill if you have service in TV. It's worth checking into......

There is an article in the recent POA Bulletin regarding this including a copy of a letter from an AT&T executive. There is an offer of 75% for a Micro Cell to improve reception until the new towers are in.

Here is a link to a description of the Micro Cell AT&T 3G MicroCell - Wireless Signal Booster - Wireless from AT&T

[Schaumburger]

Thanks for the feedback on Virgin Mobile phones. I am new the the smart phone word, so I will have some learning to do if I decide to switch from AT&T to Virgin Mobile. I'm up north in the Chicago area most of the time but I've gotten feedback from another TOTV person who has been with Virgin Mobile for a while now, and it sounds like he gets pretty good reception in TV (depending on where he is in TV).

Once again, TOTV has come through with info. for me. Thanks TOTV!

[JohnN]

I got one of the AT&T microcells for the $50.
It does seem to now give "4 bars" in the house where it gave only one before.
So I'll give credit for that. It requires at least a 3G cell phone and internet service to work.

I'd just wish they had the service to begin with, without gouging me for a few more $$$$.