Phones & Features:

AT&T’s selection of cell phones is second to none. They offer a wide selection of very low priced and free phones so that no one’s budget needs are stretched to get a great device. They also have an extensive array of refurbished phones featuring affordable pricing for many of the most sought after devices on the market.

Despite the many budget friendly options, the company’s unmistakable strong suit is in offering the industry leading, most feature-packed phones. Most obvious among them is the celebrated Apple iPhone 3GS. As the exclusive U.S. distributor of the game-changing smartphone, AT&T is the consumer’s only option if the phone is a must have. The carrier also has a full assortment of BlackBerry smartphones, most notably offering the flagship Bold 9700.

AT&T has been slower than other cell phone providers to jump on the Android phone bandwagon. To date, the only such phone available from the carrier is the social networking-centered Motorola Backflip. Windows Mobile-based smartphones are well represented. An extensive selection of messaging and feature phones is also available.

Additional Benefits:

For customers who travel internationally and would like to use their American cell phone while abroad, AT&T is the obvious choice. The first reason for that is AT&T phones operate using the GSM mobile standard which is prevalent just about everywhere outside of North America. Both Verizon Wireless and Sprint operate using the CDMA system which, though superior in many technical ways, is rare overseas. Secondly, AT&T has roaming agreements in more than 220 countries. Without such agreements, per minute charges are prohibitive for most people. Even with the agreements, prices vary widely from country to country and AT&T’s Travel Guide is an invaluable reference before leaving the U.S.

AT&T offers a dizzying array of apps to make its mobile devices more than just great communications tools. GPS services like AT&T Navigator are among the most useful and we’re particularly fond of another GPS based program called the AT&T Family Map. It makes locating a family member’s phone, and presumably the family member, instantly on your phone or computer.

For entertainment, AT&T Music and TV are available as are bunches of games. Ringtones, ringback tones and wallpapers are popular ways to customize a phone to reflect its owner’s personality and interests.

For customers who don’t wish to be tied down by a wireless contract, AT&T offers pre-paid options under the Go Phone brand.

Fees:

Starting a new line of service with AT&T will incur a $36.00 activation fee. Each additional line opened under a family plan is charged $26.00 for activation. If a phone is returned within three days, the activation fee will be refunded. There’s a $175.00 early termination fee for cancelling service before the contract end date is complete. This fee is, however, reduced by $5.00 for each month of the contract that is completed. If a phone is returned in like-new condition within 30 days of creating a new contract, the ETF can be waived.

Since essentially the entire U.S. is covered by AT&T’s network, there are no domestic roaming charges. There are several calling plans available which add Canada to the included calling area.

Help & Support:

Customer and technical support can be contacted in many ways. Toll-free telephone and email access are readily available. The company’s web site has just about any information that could be desired, though finding some obscure details can be pretty challenging. We particularly appreciate their very responsive and helpful live chat feature.

AT&T has consistently ranked behind both Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile in customer service. Indeed the J. D. Power 2010 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study ranked them third out of the four major U.S. cell phone providers, earning only three out of five dots. Our own experience with their customer service has been much better than the survey would suggest.

Summary:

As one of the nation’s largest providers of cell phone service, AT&T has a wide selection of phones, an extensive network and pretty much any service that any provider can offer. They feature a range of calling plans that will meet most consumers’ needs well. Like all the other carriers, there are details that will ultimately determine which company offers the best set of options for any individual customer.