T-Mobile Network & Phone

Personal use cell phone service with T-Mobile

In March 2006, I upgraded my cell phone with T-Mobile and have been plagued with non-service issues and apathy from T-Mobile. I began cell phone service with T-Mobile in 2005 -- even then the network was weak, but I usually got a signal out. I attributed it to living in a remote, rural area, even though T-Mobile assured me prior to sign up that there was 'excellent' coverage in my area. Well, when I upgraded in March 2006 to a Samsung camera phone, my service deteriorated. When I am able to get by the "Network Not Available" and "Emergency Use Only" messages, the person on the other end sounds like they are underwater and I am lucky to pick up every other word. After numerous useless troubleshooting (turn phone on/off; remove/replace battery; remove/replace SIM card; and other magical things they say they are doing from a remote location) with no help, I requested that the phone be replaced. Well, I received the new one and sent back their old one. Two months later I notice a $100 out-of-warranty charge on my bill. Upon inquiry I learn that the phone I returned had "liquid" damage. I assure the customer service rep that at no time did I have the phone in or around water, to which he said that it was likely due to humidity. HUMIDITY!!!? I live in Hawaii! This sure would have been a good thing to know when I ordered the useless piece of garbage. To add insult to injury, they will not waive the out-of-warranty fee (the one-year warranty did not cover 'liquid' damage), nor will they let me out of my contract since my service is now virtually worthless - the new phone is just as bad and service is still sporadic. They say I should have been cognizant of the contract I entered into. I believe that T-Mobile is not honoring their side of the contract by giving me, at the very least, reliable service. This is a warning to all out there ... do not do service with T-Mobile!