Carrier with best Cell Phone Service Coverage for South Walton?

**SWGB** · 01-12-2009, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by brandon12

i stay at one seagrove or beachcrest. its never worked once from the balcony to the beach with verizon.i see the beach chair guys with cell phones all the time on the beach so somebody works on the beach. also up and down 30-a the service has always been spotty

That's because the "towers" are located on top of One Seagrove Place. It's all line of sight. Those guys on the beach are most likely using Nextel or Sprint. Possibly just radios as well.

**Smiling JOe** · 01-12-2009, 10:41 PM

I have pretty good service in most places I go with Alltel. I can pretty much plot the holes on a map. For a long time, Alltel was head and shoulders above the others for our area, but in the last two years, coverage is improving for other companies.

**Beach Runner** · 01-13-2009, 09:08 AM

We have Verizon because we get a discount there through our employers. No problem here in GA unless we go way off the interstates. Service between Troy and Freeport is hit or miss. In the Highway 30A area the service is also hit or miss (can't get signals in Seaside or Grayton). We used to always get a great signal in Seagrove, but now I can't get a signal in our bedroom.

**pepper** · 01-13-2009, 04:21 PM

at&t has always worked everywhere i've gone, beach or otherwise, and like the comment above it seems to work when no one else has service. i've even had service at the bartop at Redbar, which from what i hear is near impossible.

i believe that Sprint does a great job of always having phones that are tested to perform consistently well on their service.... and i suspect that people that say that at&t isn't as good as Sprint probably have a RAZR in their pocket; with at&t your service more depends on picking the right phone with them. If you ask the sales reps at the at&t locations the right questions, i'll always had them tell me honestly what phones perform best. and FWIW, my sony ericsson w580i slider has been the best phone i've ever had all around.

**Smiling JOe** · 01-13-2009, 04:47 PM

I cannot find 2008 Consumer Reports for cell phone article (likely due out very soon), but here is the one from 2007, which is based all around the Country.
(link to article)

Consumer Reports Cellphone Service Survey 2008 Published: Verizon Number One

By Charlie White, 9:51 AM on Mon Dec 3 2007, 38,464 views

Consumer Reports just published its latest Annual Survey of Cellphone Service in its January 2008 issue, consisting of responses from 47,629 readers. As it's noted in its previous surveys over the past six years, the respected nonprofit publication says that cell service is "among the lower rated services we survey." The wide-ranging poll found that "fewer than half of the respondents were completely or very satisfied with their cellphone service." In the poll, Consumer Reports asked which cellphone service providers have the least static, dropped calls, circuits full and lack of service across 20 major metropolitan areas in the US. As it did last year, Verizon came out on top again, with an average approval rating of around 70%. Coming in a close second and winning out in some markets was T-Mobile. Far behind was AT&T, and then coming in dead last was Sprint.

To give you the high concept, Consumer Reports says:
Verizon Wireless is "among the better carriers this year and in our earlier surveys."
T-Mobile was described as "another solid performer that often offers more for your money."
Alltel Wireless is "One of the better providers in the three metro areas for which we had adequate survey data."
AT&T fell behind, called "Home of iPhone, but trails the better carriers in almost all respects."
Sprint was last place, receiving the dubious honor of being in the "bottom ranks of carriers we rate."

****************
I recall Clark Howard reporting on the customer service of cell phone companies (not area coverage, but the actual customer service as in how they handle complaints/problems) some time early last year, and while I cannot recall which company was number one, I remember Sprint being last. That noted, all ranked less than around 40% in customer satisfaction with the customer "no"service. Seems like Alltel was ranked second or third.

For me, coverage is number one on my list, but customer service would be number two.

**Teresa** · 01-13-2009, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

We have Verizon because we get a discount there through our employers. No problem here in GA unless we go way off the interstates. Service between Troy and Freeport is hit or miss. In the Highway 30A area the service is also hit or miss (can't get signals in Seaside or Grayton). We used to always get a great signal in Seagrove, but now I can't get a signal in our bedroom.

see, this describes a phone service that would make me throw the phone in the gulf. sounds like quite a bit of hit or miss. I've never experienced such here or out of town with alltel, thankfully.

**Bottomfeeder** · 06-10-2009, 05:11 PM

My wife and I just moved to Santa Rosa Beach from Atlanta and we are renting a house for a year to see if we would like to make this our permanent home. My question to all the locals out there is what cell phone provider has the best coverage along 30-A? We are currently with T-Mobile but I'm having to stand on the roof on one foot to get any signal at all. In Atlanta we did not even have a land line but I'm thinking we might have to break down and get one here. Thanks for your help.

**ricklys** · 06-10-2009, 05:29 PM

We have had excellent service with Verizon. Alltel isn't bad either.

**30ABandMan** · 06-10-2009, 05:35 PM

Over in SGB it can be spotty on Alltel. I sometimes have dropped calls east of 395. Until recently, we had to stand outside to make a phone call and I don't always get all of my data services on my Blackberry while inside.

We had Nextel before changing to Alltel and Nextel was excellent here.

**Dia** · 06-10-2009, 05:41 PM

Alltel & Verizon merged. IMO this is the best coverage along 30A (with Sprint coming in second)

**Bob Wells** · 06-10-2009, 05:50 PM

Sprint and Nextel, I have had it for years now.

**ItzKatzTime** · 06-10-2009, 07:11 PM

Have been with Alltel for 7 years and today switched everything over to Verizon.
Saving 150.00 per month and he says we will have good pickup coming from both Verizon and Alltel towers. We'llllll see. Love my new phone. They have great deals right now. That's in Sandestin next to ihop.

Don't have a land line thank God, so we need good pickup.

**30ABandMan** · 06-10-2009, 08:53 PM

While we're on the subject...

Those of you who are with AT&T and have iPhones, how is your service? Ya know, they just lowered the price of the 8G 3G iPhone to 99 bucks effective I believe June 19th. That coincides with launch with their new 3G S iPhone. I'm itching to have an iPhone but I worry about reception in this area especially inside brick or block buildings.

**ItzKatzTime** · 06-10-2009, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by 30ABandMan

While we're on the subject...

Those of you who are with AT&T and have iPhones, how is your service? Ya know, they just lowered the price of the 8G 3G iPhone to 99 bucks effective I believe June 19th. That coincides with launch with their new 3G S iPhone. I'm itching to have an iPhone but I worry about reception in this area especially inside brick or block buildings.

I've wanted one too...but have heard the service was not good.
A friend of mine had one and loved it and hated it. It was really cool!!!

**30ABandMan** · 06-10-2009, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by ItzKatzTime

I've wanted one too...but have heard the service was not good.
A friend of mine had one and loved it and hated it. It was really cool!!!

Our house is made of block (big bad wolf proof apparently) and luckily, our neighbors both have iPhones. I borrowed one the other day and it had a full signal inside. My BB kills itself searching for a signal in here. I don't get all of the data services. When I was at the high school the other day, my bb had no signal inside the building. My Nextel used to have a full signal inside...

It will be great when AT&T finally has 3G in this area too.

**Beach Runner** · 06-10-2009, 10:12 PM

We've had T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. All sketchy on 30A. None of them get a signal in Seaside or Grayton.

We have Verizon now because we get a discount through our employer. Sometimes I drive to US 98 where I get true Verizon signal (not extended network) to do a *228 to reset.

What's weird is that I don't get a signal on the third floor at the beach house. The other floors are fine. Wouldn't you think that higher would be better?

**ray** · 06-11-2009, 01:26 AM

in grayton and 30-a verizon is hit or miss. whats funny is the service is spotless on the beach but driving up and down 30-a its got tons of dead spots and a lot of dropped calls

**Bobby J** · 06-11-2009, 07:53 AM

I have Altel which is merging with Verizon. I use to have a few spotty areas along 30A but lately my reception has been excellent. I even use it in my home in Point Washington. Not sure why we even have a home phone except I think it is required for the INTERNET. Which is odd because the INTERNET is wireless. I have not even answered home phone in a year.

I feel the merging of Alltel and Verizon will probably make it the best bet locally. Had Nextell years ago and had lots of reception problems and poor service in general.

**JUL** · 06-11-2009, 04:10 PM

verizon is spotty. in wc and in seacrest

**KOBA** · 07-02-2009, 08:31 AM

What is the best cell phone provider in South Walton, with regards to coverage. I would prefer to be disconnected completely, however, it seems to be a necessary evil these days. Thanks in advance for the help.

**KOBA** · 07-02-2009, 08:33 AM

And why am I being called a beach crab?

**Gidget** · 07-02-2009, 08:36 AM

I started out as Beach Crab on my first few posts too! Hang in there.

I am with Alltel and while we were in the area our phone was consistently good.

I am anxious to see what others say.

G

**Beach Runner** · 07-02-2009, 08:38 AM

Not Verizon.

**ItzKatzTime** · 07-02-2009, 08:45 AM

I was with Alltel for the past 7 years and it was great....but since Verizon acquired them I've switched over and Verizon is terrible in this area. I have to go outside to talk. It's just around here when I go out of town I never have a problem, unless I'm talking to my family who are at home.

"Can you hear me now?" has become my mantra. Good luck!

**wayward soul** · 07-02-2009, 09:00 AM

I have both Alltel (work) and Verizon (personal) and the Alltel coverage is far superior. I spent an hour on the phone with Verizon yesterday asking when the two will share the same towers. They would not answer my question and simply said that the total conversion process from the buyout will take until the end of the year. Alltel has also been very functional through the last few hurricanes.

I have heard that AT&T has good coverage as well.

**bdub** · 07-02-2009, 10:16 AM

We have AT and T. Though I'm in a bit of a weak spot at my house (near Camp Creek Lake) both my company and personal Iphone work pretty well.

I AM disappointed that there is no 3G data coverage in the area -- everything in whole region seems to operateon the inferior edge system. Very slow when you are used to the snappier 3G system.

**Andy A** · 07-02-2009, 11:05 AM

Being old and rapidly becoming decrepit, I only use my cell phone to make calls. We have AT&T and have been quite pleased with it. The only place I have found that it doesn't work is Goatfeathers, for some reason.

**bdub** · 07-02-2009, 11:57 AM

By the way, I have been weighing whether to give up the landline -- and rely on just a cellphone at the place in FL. The signal is just iffy enough around the house that I have decided against the idea. But I have read there is a device you can by that boosts your cell signal in your house and office -- and acts as a sort of relay to the cell tower. The costs are prohibitive for me ... but might be a good solution for others.

**Gidget** · 07-02-2009, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by wayward soul

I have both Alltel (work) and Verizon (personal) and the Alltel coverage is far superior. I spent an hour on the phone with Verizon yesterday asking when the two will share the same towers. They would not answer my question and simply said that the total conversion process from the buyout will take until the end of the year. Alltel has also been very functional through the last few hurricanes.

I have heard that AT&T has good coverage as well.

Isn't that crazy?? Wonder why they would have different coverage if now the same co?

I am guessing that they are no longer using the Alltel towers then. RATS - now I have to pick a new carrier. What a shame when Alltel worked SO WELL.

So ATT&T is good? I saw a Sprint tower not far from where we will be.

This is something I wasn't counting on. Phooey!

Thanks
G

**wayward soul** · 07-02-2009, 12:51 PM

Hey Gidget,
I wouldnt get rid of Alltel just yet. I think Alltel coverage will continue to be good. I think this whole Alltel/Verizon conversion will happen faster than the end of the year. When i used my Verizon phone yesterday to dial *611 (customer service) an Alltel customer serivce rep answered my call, not a Verizon customer service rep!? Go figure.

**Bill Weckel** · 12-23-2010, 01:11 PM

So I'm living on 30A at Blue Mtn and my T-Mobile is absolutely useless here. It flip flops between 1 bar, and "no carrier found". Who has the strongest signal near the beach?

Thanks!

**Ken Sloan** · 12-23-2010, 02:15 PM

I've been pretty happy with AT&T so far.

**swantree** · 12-23-2010, 04:25 PM

really you are down to att and verizon. Tmobile has been purchased by verizon so that might effect your transition soon. also, iphones will be coming to verizon soon and that also is a consideration. Att has officially been rated the worst customer service out there! that said, i have att

**Glas Designs** · 12-23-2010, 07:10 PM

I've had Sprint for years down here and have never had any issues with them, customer service is good and the plan rates are reasonable. No coverage issues so far...and they have the HTC Evo!! Good luck.

**TreeFrog** · 12-23-2010, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Glas Designs

I've had Sprint for years down here and have never had any issues with them, customer service is good and the plan rates are reasonable. No coverage issues so far...and they have the HTC Evo!! Good luck.

Yup. Me too.

**Andy A** · 12-24-2010, 08:13 AM

I live on Blue Mt. Beach and some of those in our front units have to go outside to use their cell phones. I have AT&T and have both good service and decent rates.

**Lake View Too** · 12-24-2010, 08:13 AM

I've had Sprint for several years and there are about three "holes" I experience on a routine basis: parts of WaterColor, near the Wheelhouse, and near 393. I'm going to Verizon pretty soon.

**chollington** · 12-24-2010, 12:05 PM

I strongly recommend Verizon! I had T-Mobile for years and finally paid to make the switch! I work in WaterColor and have never lost service on 30A. My husband has ATT through work and he can't stand it.

I am soooo excited about the iphone coming soon too! :)

**Bob** · 12-24-2010, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by swantree

really you are down to att and verizon. Tmobile has been purchased by verizon so that might effect your transition soon. also, iphones will be coming to verizon soon and that also is a consideration. Att has officially been rated the worst customer service out there! that said, i have att

do you have a link to back up that statement about t mobile?

**Independent1** · 12-25-2010, 09:43 AM

I've gone to Net 10 unlimited, best move I've ever made. It can be purchased at Target. 50.00 per month unlimited talk, text, and web. The service is incredible, I haven't had a dropped call in a year since I started the service. Good luck and Merry Christmas and a healthy 2011.

**Douglas the Intrepid** · 12-25-2010, 09:52 AM

I have AT&T with my iPhone 4 and have never had any issues regarding coverage or service.

**Happy Camper** · 12-25-2010, 07:41 PM

I'm near Goatfeathers Restaurant on 30A. I have the Blackberry Bold 9700 on ATT and I get 5 bars with full 3G coverage. I have the unlimited voice and unlimited data plan. I'm happy with my phone, plan, and coverage.

That said....when my contract expires, I will probably switch to Straight Talk, sold at WalMart. $45/month unlimited voice, data, and texts. Straight Talk uses ATT or Verizon networks, depending on which phone you use. (Easy way to know which is which is if the phone uses a SIM card, it's ATT. No SIM, Verizon.) Straight Talk just started offering the Nokia E71, which would satisfy most Blackberry or other smartphone users. This is a great deal...

**TreeFrog** · 12-26-2010, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

I've had Sprint for several years and there are about three "holes" I experience on a routine basis: parts of WaterColor, near the Wheelhouse, and near 393. I'm going to Verizon pretty soon.

I get the dropout by Camp Creek when I'm driving through there, too. But, I don't talk and drive much, so it's not an issue for me.

**scooterbug44** · 12-26-2010, 08:48 AM

I've got a POS phone with Verizon and rarely have an issue w/ dropped calls/lack of service - but I don't use it all that often.

**heartbren** · 12-26-2010, 12:09 PM

I have Sprint which I had already when I moved here. I cannot talk on the phone in a lot of places. Sprint actually told me there are not enough towers here and I would have to switch to a different carrier. I have not done so yet because I really did not know who to use. Thanks to this post I have a few good choices.

**wrobert** · 12-27-2010, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Bill Weckel

So I'm living on 30A at Blue Mtn and my T-Mobile is absolutely useless here. It flip flops between 1 bar, and "no carrier found". Who has the strongest signal near the beach?

Thanks!

I have had them all either under contract or just went and bought a prepaid to see where it would work for me. Verizon is by far the best in this area, even if, imho, they are morally corrupt when it comes to business practices.

That said, get a prepaid from Walmart, on the Straight Talk program. Make sure you get on Verizon as Walmart is now offering At&t and T-Mobile plans. $45 a month for unlimited everything is a pretty good deal. Or you can get 1000 minutes and a 1000 texts for $30 a month. Now if I could figure out how to tether to my tablet I would be set.

**Bill Weckel** · 12-27-2010, 11:50 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I currently have T-Mobile with a Jailbroken early generation 2G iPhone. T-Mobile was nice, in that you got 500 min plus free nights and weekends for $29, no contract, no prepay. But if the phone is useless here, doesn't matter how good the rate is.

Sounds like Verizon is probably going to be the way to go for me.

Thanks again

**mbarto** · 12-27-2010, 02:02 PM

I've not ever had a problem with Verizon, and that said they are still honering my old Alltel contract which is less expensive than the current Verizon contracts. I must say I am happy so far.

**localyocal** · 12-27-2010, 07:18 PM

I have had sprint foe five years and never have any problem at all on 30A or any where else. I would not have AT&T if they were the only choice as they have always been the worst company in the world.

**Bill Weckel** · 12-30-2010, 04:01 PM

Ended up ordering a StraightTalk phone online. Got the phone for free, a $30 card for 1000 minutes, and free shipping. It's runs on the Verizon network, and I've got a solid four bars inside my house on 30A. Very happy. Now that I know it works here, I'll upgrade to the unlimited plan next month.

Thanks to all for the suggestions!