Cell Phone Woes

So my coverage really stinks at my house. And in this whole neighborhood. More than half of my jobsites are in this area. I have to go outside if I want to increase the chances of not dropping the call. Or for carrying on a conversation where I am reasonably assured of being heard at all, for that matter.

I tell Nextel about it, and they have me spend 20-30 minutes on the phone with tech support, describing when, where, and how often I drop calls. Did I initiate the call? Is it usually at the beginning of the call or at the end of the call?

They suggest I go online each time I drop a call and report it. 'The squeaky wheel get the grease,' they tell me. And I can request a credit.

This has been going on for several years. I finally told them that I think I would like a credit. The guy tells me that he can only give me free additional airtime. I inform him that my plan is unlimited. Supervisor time. $20 is the best he can do. Not too shabby. But am I willing to put up with going outside all the time for $20 off my bill occasionally?

They ask me if I'd like someone to look into the problem. Uh, yeah.

I get a call this morning from a gal, and she says 'I understand you have a problem with your cell phone.' I politely let her know that it's not my phone, but their service that is a bit of a problem. She goes on to tell me that there is a 'service hole' in my neighborhood. While not surprising to hear, it's the first time they've admitted it. She explains that they are aware of the problem and will keep it in mind when placing future towers.

I ask for a timeframe. She says none is available (translation: we're not too worried about this hole you live in.) I describe the kinds of problems it causes me, and when I mention that I have to go outside, she references my contract, and reminds me that Sprint/Nextel does not guarantee service inside buildings. ( You know, buildings? Those big things people sometimes go into?)

What if it's raining? Or freezing cold outside? Or really hot?

I'm looking for options. Does anybody know anybody who uses Helio? They've got an unlimited plan for $120 a month, which would save me $40. That's the only service I've found that would be an acceptable replacement for my current 'Berry. Spoke with Brent Wilford, and he tells me to beware or an other-than-mainstream brand. But it looks like they ride the Sprint network. Andrea's on Sprint and the coverage here is much mejor.