Cell service in TV
 

We purchased in Dabney and Verizon cell gives 1-2 bars. Thinking of switching cell providers. We don't have a contract requirement, but we're not sure if there is generally a better provider in TV or we just live in an area that needs a tower. Are providers even putting up more towers as TV grows? Is there a provider that generally has better coverage in TV, central FL in general, etc.?

My experience with AT&T is one or two bars any time I have thought to look.

If you have Xfinity internet service, then the Xfinity Mobile cell service is the best deal in The Villages. It uses the Verizon network, which I think is the best network anywhere. For one line, my monthly bill is only $13.60 as long as I Iimit my mobile data to less than 1GB. This is easy because free wifi is available at most public locations and it usually reconnects automatically. I think they offer an unlimited data service for about $30 per month.

Consumer Cellular
 

I use Consumer Cellular and get great service at a great price. No contract. Can change data amount up and down as required (example - we use more data on vacation than we do at home). And they have a local office and the customer service there and via phone has been great!!!!! AARP discount.

Dabney is one of the newest villages, in an area that used to be wilderness.

Verizon has a history of building new towers as The Villages expands. Perhaps if you call them and register a complaint, it will help them decide on the next tower's location.

We have AT&T Penntcamp area one or two bars. Streaming music from Amazon or Apple is no problem. No issues with buffering YouTube or Amazon Video on phone. Internet is Quantum, phone switches to Wi-Fi calling and data in the home.
200mbs service $30 monthly.

[QUOTE=Bill14564;2280731]My experience with AT&T is one or two bars any time I have thought to look.[/QUOTE like you when I’ve happened to look it’s usually 1 or 2 bars , but I’ve never had a dropped call here in villages and can’t think I’ve had many anywhere else . I have the IPhone 14 on the Verizon network but all my other I phones were the same way , I did have some problems when I was out in Fenney in the early days before they put up more towers , but if your having trouble finding a tower you can always go to call Wi-Fi and you’ll be fine

[QUOTE=charlieo1126@gmail.com;2280787]Good point. Also, I have found that, if you have trouble sending a photo attachment with a text message, it is helpful to switch your phone to the "wifi calling" setting.

Mint Mobile
 

I just switched to Mint Mobile. $15/mo and that price continues if you pay by the year. I get 4-5 bars on my phone where I used to only get 1-2 bars with Straight Talk who uses Verizon towers. You can bring your own phone (if compatible & unlocked) and keep your old phone number. I was able to do all of that; keep the same phone & the same phone number. They have really great customer service that help with the changeover.

Wisdom is knowing what is the right path to take. You are in Dabney and wisdom might be to ask your neighbors. Only you know what your expectations are. Limited data might work for some and not for you. If you have a landline, home reception may not be as important as overall coverage.

We bought into a village that was new in early 2022. Our cell reception was crap for the first while since the cell towers were overloaded due to all the new people. We tried with multiple companies and it didn't matter.

After 6 months or so we eventually got perfect cell reception after they upgraded the tower.

Call Verizon. They gave us a free lease of something called a network extender. It plugs into our Internet router and essentially is a cellular tower in the home. Set your phone to wifi calling and get great service.

Consumer cellular!! store n Brownwood and Lake Sumter

We have a network extender. They might try to charge you for it, but don’t pay for it.
It basically extends the cellular networks or Verizon, using your wifi.

Most cellular companies share a network, and TV is so large, the coverage isn’t 100% consistent.

It is a good idea to occasionally check your mobile data usage. I only pay $13.60 per month with Xfinity Mobile for unlimited calls and texts, but with a data limit of 1gb, and it uses the Verizon network. I have never exceeded the data limit because most of the places I go in The Villages have free wifi that automatically connects to my phone. I think that a lot of people are paying for unlimited data that they probably don't need.