Sprint PCS to PCS vs Verizon IN

[dmaul3300]

A friend of mine is a Verizon user and was bragging about their IN plan. I looked on Verizons site about their IN plan in my state and there are places that it doesnt cover.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/coveragemap.jsp?item=planFirst&mapURL=/images_b2c/maps/local_InNetwork/mwest/iane.gif&disclaimerURL=/images_b2c/maps/local_InNetwork/InNetwork_text.gif&planCatDisplayName=Local%20DigitalChoice®

My question is this: is the pcs to pcs ANY (US) area that a user has a sprint phone. I know looking on the verizon map, Mason City is not covered. If I knew a sprint user in Mason City then I would be covered. Correct? Looking on the map, IN area only covers about 50% of Iowa and only 3% of Nebraska.

I was under the assumption that with Verizon it covered any verizon phone but looking on the map there are only certain areas. Sprint PCS to PCS is to ANY sprint # correct? If this is the case, Sprint is much better. Is this correct.

Im just trying to prove to my friend that Sprint has more to offer then Verizon.

[Strider420]

Yes as long as you are on the Sprint network (not roaming) and you have PCS2PCS on your plan, it is free to call ANY PCS phone anywhere in the country (and Puerto Rico).

[blue]

I'm confused by Verizon's IN-Network Calling. The places where you are not "IN" are you just roaming on another carrier or is it a place that is covered by Verizon that's just not specified for IN-Network Calling?

[MsRandall]

IN doesnt compare PCS TO PCS when it come to family plans...the IN is only on the primary by default to everyone Verizon...the IN on the other lines or SUBS within the plan are only IN to every phone on that specific family plan and account...If you want IN for a sub to all Verizon users it is an additional 10 dollars..With PCS to PCS calling it is unlimited...primary and sub lines....

[CoolJB]

IN doesnt compare PCS TO PCS when it come to family plans...the IN is only on the primary by default to everyone Verizon...the IN on the other lines or SUBS within the plan are only IN to every phone on that specific family plan and account...If you want IN for a sub to all Verizon users it is an additional 10 dollars..With PCS to PCS calling it is unlimited...primary and sub lines....

Just found this on VW web site:

Important Information: National IN Calling
National IN Calling requires that Caller-ID be present on each line. If Caller ID is not present, National IN Calling minutes will apply to outgoing calls only. National IN Calling minutes do not apply to calls received when Caller ID is not present. National IN Calling is not available to customers whose wireless exchange restricts the delivery of Caller ID or with fixed wireless devices with usage substantially from a single cell site. Data, Push to Talk usage, and calls to your voice mail will not be rated IN Calling.

***???!!!

So lift your left foot, tilt your head to the right, with your right hand - index finger, dial number, put phone up to left ear using right hand only, hop three times - then IN minutes apply!!!!!

They have more conditions, exclusions, preclusions, stipulations, etc. on their plans it's absurd. That is one thing I've always appreciated about Sprint - their coverage/services/options are consistent wherever you go. None of this mickey mouse BS!

[goodeye18]

Not to Flame Verizon and all But Come on. We have had PCS to PCS (The notorious Mobile to mobile calling) for Years Years Im telling you. Verizon was to stupid to do it till now. Now Tons of verizon users think that "IN" is something special that only they have. My goodness! :eyeroll:

[CoolJB]

Not to Flame Verizon and all But Come on. We have had PCS to PCS (The notorious Mobile to mobile calling) for Years Years Im telling you. Verizon was to stupid to do it till now. Now Tons of verizon users think that "IN" is something special that only they have. My goodness! :eyeroll:

Good marketing - but it's still not as good as PCS-PCS - and America's choice is not as good as Sprint's F&C America either. It has so many conditions and restrictions you need a lawyer to interpret all the fine print! And yet people still have the "perception" that Verizon it "better".

[justinwatts]

Not to Flame Verizon and all But Come on. We have had PCS to PCS (The notorious Mobile to mobile calling) for Years Years Im telling you. Verizon was to stupid to do it till now. Now Tons of verizon users think that "IN" is something special that only they have. My goodness! :eyeroll:

That's b/c of Sprint's lack of advertising. I wanted to scream when I saw the IN ads on TV and VZW touting it like they came up with the idea first. Sprint has had it for years, but nobody knows about it. Sprint needs more advertising. More people would hop on RL if they plastered the tv with ads for it. People won't buy what they don't know about. That's why a lot of people went for IN, because they saw it every other ad when watching TV.

[AnthroMatt]

It's actually "cheaper" to get two lines with "IN" on Verizon at the $40 plan (800 minutes for $80) than it is to get a share plan ($40 + $20 +$10) for 400 minutes at $70. Brilliant pricing Verizon. Pay an extra $10 for 400 minutes.

All of Verizon's network is included in the "IN" it is the places where they have free roaming agreements (such as with Alltel) that M2M does not apply.

[pmcafee2003]

IN doesnt compare PCS TO PCS when it come to family plans...the IN is only on the primary by default to everyone Verizon...the IN on the other lines or SUBS within the plan are only IN to every phone on that specific family plan and account...If you want IN for a sub to all Verizon users it is an additional 10 dollars..With PCS to PCS calling it is unlimited...primary and sub lines....

Just so you know, Verizon changed that last week. Now the family share plans have nationwide IN network and you don't have to pay the extra $10. Sprint's PCS to PCS is still much better though.

[dmaul3300]

thanks for the clarification. Its like I thought, Sprint is better.

With the sprint PCS to PCS and the free and clear plan that he could get basically the same coverage that he did with verizon(not quite as many digital areas - but with the FREE roaming that he would be covered).

I also told him with vision he was able to get unlimited web messages and for a small fee more could get unlimited SMS and also have unlimted internet and NOT have to worry about having it apply towards his minutes used. If he goes online with his current phone before 9pm it counts towards his minutes used in his plan.

I also told him he could get nights starting at 7pm instead of waiting until 9pm like he does now. This is one of my favorite features of sprint. I told him that there are several places to download ringers and wallpapers to his phone instead of having to use the GET IT NOW feature. The sprint phones are much more customizable(ringers and wallpaper - many good sites out there as well as upload sites that you can upload your favorite pictures. I also told him he can make his own ringers and upload them to your phone. Sprint phones usually always get the latest technology as well.

I convinced him to switch to sprint when his contract expires in 4 months. This will be a WIN-WIN situation for me. I will refer him and get credit(he will also) and when he signes on with sprint, I will be able to talk to him PCS to PCS and not have to worry about using my minutes.

I think Sprint has alot more to offer then Verizon.

[SL10]

The main difference I see between the two is that VZW "IN" option is strictly caller ID dependant, whereas SPCS PCS 2 PCS is system dependant and not based on Caller ID systems!

[AnthroMatt]

Well that was smart of them. I though msrandall worked for VZW though? I would think she would know of such a change in policy. Maybe VZW only changed that policy in certain markets...they like to treat their customers differently depending upon where they live.

[MsRandall]

Just so you know, Verizon changed that last week. Now the family share plans have nationwide IN network and you don't have to pay the extra $10. Sprint's PCS to PCS is still much better though.


Dont work there anymore so ...thanks for the update. :)

[CoolJB]

The main difference I see between the two is that VZW "IN" option is strictly caller ID dependant, whereas SPCS PCS 2 PCS is system dependant and not based on Caller ID systems!

That's because using the phone number is the only way for verizon to identify other verizon subscribers. With verizon, you could still be in "IN" coverage area but not be on verizon's network. Whereas sprint pcs-pcs is all or nothing - you're either on the sprint (or affiliate) network or you're not. Very simple. Another advantage to Sprint's all digital, nationwide coverage as opposed to verizon's patchwork of roaming partners and such.

[Prez808]

Last month when I was trying to decide between Sprint and Verizon, the Verizon salesperson said that there was no charge for In. Fair enough, all the people I know with Verizon aren't in rural areas. Sprint's PCS to PCS requires that I pay $5/mo for this privilege. That's $60/year. Advantage Verizon. What made me decide on Sprint was that because I got a 300 min plan, n/w starting at 7 was the deciding factor. 2 hours 5 days a week, with 4 weeks in a month. That's 40 hours or 2400 minutes that I would have to pay for on Verizon, that I didn't on Sprint. :eek: So... I went with Sprint, since Verizon just can't touch that. :hee:

[SL10]

Verizon couldn't touch SPCS in many ways PCS 2 PCS is just one of them!

[Mr.Cell]

2 months ago my cousin was in Guadalajara, Mexico, When i called him from my sprint phone the minutes counted as PCS to PCS for me (He was roaming), but the times he called me from his phone didnt count as PCS to PCS.

[Nugo]

2 months ago my cousin was in Guadalajara, Mexico, When i called him from my sprint phone the minutes counted as PCS to PCS for me (He was roaming), but the times he called me from his phone didnt count as PCS to PCS.
What is your -20 bucks other discounts?

[Nugo]

When I was in Verizon training a few weeks back, one of the Verizon regional reps. claimed that for every one person that leaves them to go to Sprint, 8 people leave Sprint to come to them.

Hmmm. That's almost political, if it's even true. New subscriptions in my entire district; the whole region really, is about 10 Sprint activations to every 1 Verizon activation. I'm baffled as to how Verizon is "winning," or if, maybe, that is just a bunch of cah cah.

[Mr.Cell]

What is your -20 bucks other discounts?
PCS Advantange Agreement Credit and other discounts

[srtpro]

IN doesnt compare PCS TO PCS when it come to family plans...the IN is only on the primary by default to everyone Verizon...the IN on the other lines or SUBS within the plan are only IN to every phone on that specific family plan and account...If you want IN for a sub to all Verizon users it is an additional 10 dollars..With PCS to PCS calling it is unlimited...primary and sub lines....


This is incorrect. I just renewed my Verizon contract with three phones and all three have unlimited VZ to VZ calling, not just within the family. There have been times when the plan was the way you described it. But even then, the secondary lines shared 1000 free minutes of VZ to VZ, on top of any minutes in your plan. So it really doesn't matter which way they do it.

Currently, it is unlimited for all phones.

[Crouton]

When I was in Verizon training a few weeks back, one of the Verizon regional reps. claimed that for every one person that leaves them to go to Sprint, 8 people leave Sprint to come to them.

Hmmm. That's almost political, if it's even true. New subscriptions in my entire district; the whole region really, is about 10 Sprint activations to every 1 Verizon activation. I'm baffled as to how Verizon is "winning," or if, maybe, that is just a bunch of cah cah.

In my area Verizon is certainly dominant. Mostly because they do certainly have much better rural coverage around here. But with FC&A I get better service in my city and more minutes to use while I'm in the sticks on Verizon's network than I would ever possibly need. Unfortunatly my free PCS to PCS suffers from the fact that a large percentage of people around here never heard of FC&A and went with Verizon for their broader coverage. I've also noticed that my mother gets charged for what should be IN coverage but isn't counted as such until she calls about the huge bill she received and has to fight with them almost every month.

[cyCLONEZ]

2 months ago my cousin was in Guadalajara, Mexico, When i called him from my sprint phone the minutes counted as PCS to PCS for me (He was roaming), but the times he called me from his phone didnt count as PCS to PCS.

You are still calling what is considred a local # and also you are in coverage, he on the other hand is using another company's tower. Regardless of what # he calls if he is not in SPCS coverage he is going to be charged for the roaming.

[Deval]

In my area Verizon is certainly dominant. Mostly because they do certainly have much better rural coverage around here. But with FC&A I get better service in my city and more minutes to use while I'm in the sticks on Verizon's network than I would ever possibly need. Unfortunatly my free PCS to PCS suffers from the fact that a large percentage of people around here never heard of FC&A and went with Verizon for their broader coverage. I've also noticed that my mother gets charged for what should be IN coverage but isn't counted as such until she calls about the huge bill she received and has to fight with them almost every month.

exactly...and people say Sprint's billing is complecated

[Mr.Cell]

You are still calling what is considred a local # and also you are in coverage, he on the other hand is using another company's tower. Regardless of what # he calls if he is not in SPCS coverage he is going to be charged for the roaming.
I knew that, you dont need to explain it to me, i just wanted to share it with others.

[flash123]

Well, I give out my landline number which forwards to my cell phone if I do not answer at home. As a result, SPCS caller are charged anytime or N/W minutes but I get charge PCS-PCS minutes.

PCS-PCS is simple because it is same billing system. Verizon has different billing systems across their network (from buying different wireless vendors) which makes it difficult to keep track of IN calls. All digital SPCS network means caller-id and other related features of tracking calls are enabled by default. Verizon still has analog networks which need to be converted to digital features. So if Verizon phone is on analog "verizon" switch which does not have analog caller-id, this will not be IN call. This is main reason Verizon has more coverage for calls. SPCS had to build up each digital coverage from the beginning working with the local landline carrier. If you are the local landline carrier, you will have more leverage in building your wireless division. Plus having the original "cellular" carrier license helped.

This is why I can have SPCS add-a-phone in different areas of the USA under the same account. All other vendors (except for maybe T-Mobile) require a different account for different areas of country.

[Big_Poppa_TN]

Yes as long as you are on the Sprint network (not roaming) and you have PCS2PCS on your plan, it is free to call ANY PCS phone anywhere in the country (and Puerto Rico).

If you are on the Free & Clear America plan, PCS 2 PCS works on and off Netork.. At least that was Customer service told me.

[Big_Poppa_TN]

When I was in Verizon training a few weeks back, one of the Verizon regional reps. claimed that for every one person that leaves them to go to Sprint, 8 people leave Sprint to come to them.

Hmmm. That's almost political, if it's even true. New subscriptions in my entire district; the whole region really, is about 10 Sprint activations to every 1 Verizon activation. I'm baffled as to how Verizon is "winning," or if, maybe, that is just a bunch of cah cah.

It' a unch of cah cah... Verizon trys to brain wash people..

I mena come on look at how much advertising Verizon does for the unlimited IN network calling.. they act like they invented it, yet Sprint has had it for at least 3 years already.

[Deval]

If you are on the Free & Clear America plan, PCS 2 PCS works on and off Netork.. At least that was Customer service told me.

no...thats a negative!

[MsRandall]

This is incorrect. I just renewed my Verizon contract with three phones and all three have unlimited VZ to VZ calling, not just within the family. There have been times when the plan was the way you described it. But even then, the secondary lines shared 1000 free minutes of VZ to VZ, on top of any minutes in your plan. So it really doesn't matter which way they do it.

Currently, it is unlimited for all phones.

Someone beat you to correcting my mistake. :) The IN was just changed recently...I think the member said LAST WEEK.

[dePhiant]

Someone beat you to correcting my mistake. :) The IN was just changed recently...I think the member said LAST WEEK.

they also just changed the end of august that you dont have to pay $10 extra/mo for in calling on the added phone. i can't believe they even did that at all. that is typical verizon charge for everything they cahn.

Verizons whole claim to fame is that more ppl have verizon giving you more ppl to call free or more likely that someone you call is on verizon etc.

Now if we can jsut help all the brainwahed ppl that think verizon is best and get the masses to join sprint then pcs to pcs will be the shiznit and sprint can advertise it.

[lennyj17]

2 months ago my cousin was in Guadalajara, Mexico, When i called him from my sprint phone the minutes counted as PCS to PCS for me (He was roaming), but the times he called me from his phone didnt count as PCS to PCS.

but i dont think that it reduced his anytime mins though(he just had to pay the roaming charges), so he still made out with an advantage, with vzw wireless that call would have also reduced his a/t mins as well. ;) :D