Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan on Best Carrier for New iPhone 6
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) September 19, 2014 -- Industry analyst Jeff Kagan offers comment on the best carrier for the new Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
“There are so many different factors that are part of choosing the best carrier for your new iPhone. Let’s take a look at some of them.” Says Wireless Analyst Jeff Kagan.
“Coverage is the most important factor. If over the years you have already gone through the process of selecting the best network for your needs then I would say your decision should already be made. Every carrier is different and has different strengths and weaknesses. Example, one carrier may offer faster wireless data service where you spend time. Or another wireless carrier may have four bars of coverage where you spend time compared to others who only have one bar.” Says Telecom analyst Kagan.
“Without good coverage nothing else matters. No network connection, no service, period. And all networks don’t offer the same coverage strength. They are all different. I have many phones from many networks and as an example in one place where I spent a lot of time, only one offers four bars where every other carrier I have used there only offered one.” Says Technology analyst Kagan.
“After voice, speed of wireless data connection is another point to consider. Some carriers offer faster speeds in different locations compared to other carriers. So if the speed of wireless data is important to you, then make sure you get the speed where you spend time. Test. If you don’t get the kind of connection you need, return the phone and try another carrier.” Says Tech analyst Kagan.
“Cost is a big factor for many customers. Cost is being addressed in the industry. Prices are dropping at many carriers. The lowest cost provider today is Sprint. As Sprint rebuilds itself over the next several years and under new management I think we can expect to see them lead in the low cost category. T-Mobile was the low cost leader, but now Sprint holds that honor. T-Mobile started their recovery a year ago, is still growing, and they still have low prices generally speaking.” Says Principal analyst Kagan.
“On pricing, AT&T and Verizon have never competed that way in the past, but things are changing. Yesterday companies like AT&T and Verizon with the biggest and fastest network footprint also charged the most. Today however AT&T is in the process of lowering their prices. Verizon not so much yet, but if the rest of the industry is heading in this direction, I would say Verizon will as well, eventually.” Says Kagan.
Churn is important to consider as well. Example, according to an AT&T analyst briefing, as they lower prices, they continue to hang onto existing customers with the lowest industry churn rate. So apparently AT&T customers are happy with the service, quality, speed and price.
There are also a wide variety of smaller carriers who have different strengths and weaknesses who also offer the iPhone. Generally these carriers are somewhere in the middle.
They may have good coverage in certain key markets, but not as good elsewhere. Speed is also not as fast as the larger players in most markets. They offer the iPhone, but have weaknesses as well so be careful when selecting one of the smaller competitors.
Some customers prefer these more local carriers. If you have had good experience in the past then there is no problem continuing with them. If not, then tread carefully.
Bottom line, if you want the widest, national, network coverage, the fastest and best quality voice and data network connection, AT&T and Verizon are at the top of that list.
If the lowest price is most important, first Sprint, then T-Mobile are at the top of that list.
However remember that larger carriers like AT&T are repricing and lowering costs of ownership as well.
If the highest speed wireless data connection is most important, AT&T and Verizon offer the fastest and widest national footprint. However both Sprint and T-Mobile also offer very high-speed service in certain markets and that list is expanding on a regular basis.
“Either way the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are another catalyst to an already white-hot wireless market. It will improve sales and income at every carrier in the industry. And that’s a very good thing.” Says Jeff Kagan.
About Jeff Kagan
Jeff Kagan is an industry analyst, consultant, columnist, author, speaker and futurist. He shares his opinion and views in many different ways over 25 years. His goal is to help you better understand our changing world, technology, industry and competition.
He is regularly quoted hundreds of times every year by the media. He writes two weekly columns and a daily press release on companies, technologies, competition and the changing industry.
He offers comment on wireless, telecom, Internet, cable television, IPTV and other tech news stories.
Kagan is known as a Technology Analyst, Tech Analyst, Wireless Analyst, Smartphone Analyst, Telecom Analyst, Telecom Industry Analyst and Principal Analyst.
Reporters: Jeff Kagan sends comments by email to reporters and the media. If you would like to be added to this email list please send request by email.
Companies and Clients: Contact Jeff Kagan to discuss setting up an “analyst briefing” or becoming a consulting client.
Contact: Jeff Kagan by email at jeff(at)jeffKAGAN(dot)com or by phone at 770-579-5810.
Visit his website: at jeffKAGAN.com to learn more.
Full Disclosure: Jeff Kagan is an independent industry analyst. He offers comment to the media on breaking news, announcements, technologies and the changing marketplace. He also writes columns and press releases offering comment, and is an author and speaker. Kagan earns a living as a consultant, analyst, speaker and author.
Twitter: Follow him at @jeffkagan
Jeff KAGAN, Jeff Kagan, Tech Analyst, Industry Analyst, http://www.jeffKAGAN.com, +1 770-579-5810, [email protected]
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