Verizon or T-Mobile?

[truthspeaker]

I am getting a Galaxy Nexus phone (either GSM or LTE). This will by me first smartphone. Do I want to sign up with Verizon or T-Mobile? I've had better coverage with Verizon, but I hear I can get cheaper rates with T-Mobile.

Any opinions?

Comments

[cos]

T-Mobile has by far the least coverage area of all the major US carriers. Basically, they're good in urban areas and that's it.

Verizon has by far the best coverage of all the major US carriers, especially in the northeastern US but also I believe in several other parts. There are lots and lots of places in the northeast where Verizon is the only carrier that really works.

T-Mobile has a reputation for decent customer service. T-Mobile also has the best prices.

LTE is a major battery drainer. If you go with LTE your Nexus battery will rarely last a day; if you go with a GSM phone and carrier your Nexus battery will usually last 2+ days with moderate use.

You could also opt for AT&T as a GSM carrier. Much better coverage than T-Mobile, though not a match for Verizon. More expensive than either T-Mobile or Verizon. Better battery life than LTE (same battery life as the T-Mobile option, of course).

[dougo]

T-Mobile is not that great in urban areas either. Most places indoors in the city are kind of a crapshoot for 4G vs 2G vs 0G. (Phone reception is a lot better, but 4G reception is what I really care about-- is Verizon good for that too?)

[earthdragon]

Verizon seems to win for network coverage all over the place. Verizon's 4G network is apparently faster and in more places then that of other folk...

If you travel domestically a lot, Verizon is the way to go. If you don't, and don't want to push your phone for fast internet, or are going international, then T-Mobile/GSM may make more sense.