Over 20 Years Later: Why Are We Still Saying “Can You Hear Me Now?”

Remember the Sprint Guy (later the Verizon Guy)? Back in 2002, Paul Marcarelli made “Can you hear me now?” a national catchphrase. Two decades later, guess what—we’re still saying it.

One of the most common complaints we hear is: “Why does my phone show two bars, but I can’t make a call, browse the internet, or do anything?”

Until Pronto, that question’s been dodged. The closest thing to an answer came from Ted Danson in a Consumer Cellular ad: “Same coverage, less cost.” Not exactly satisfying.

Four Decades of Innovation ... But the Same Problem 

From 2G flip phones to today’s 5G smartphones, mobile tech has exploded. Billions have been poured into networks, and yet hit-or-miss mobile service is still a daily headache.  In fact, 80% of on-the-go small business workers say they’d switch providers for more reliable coverage.

So why hasn't it been fixed?

It's Genuinely Hard (and Expensive)

Building towers, scaling to millions of users, handling traffic as we binge on ever more data—it’s a massive, costly job. AT&T alone has invested more than $20 billion in network development, but revenue hardly budged. When you look at it that way, it’s almost impressive that coverage isn’t worse.

Still, when you’re on the go, a dropped call or dead data zone isn’t just frustrating—it wastes your time and money.

No Real Incentive (Let's Be Honest)

Here’s the truth: If your service stinks, are you really going to cancel your phone altogether? Probably not. And the big carriers know it.

So with huge costs, endless complexity, and little financial incentive to achieve perfect coverage, there’s just no compelling reason for them to do dramatically better.

But Here's the Good News

All the major networks cut wholesale deals, which is why brands like Mint Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and Boost exist.

The even better news? Pronto Mobile takes it further. We give you access to all the networks — automatically. Our AI-powered platform detects when your signal drops and, if there’s a stronger network available, switches you in real time.

No gimmicks. No excuses. Just unbeatable mobile reliability. 

Sound Too Good to Be True?

We get it—you've heard promises before. That's why we let you start with a free trial. No risk, no commitment—just see the difference for yourself. 

👉After 20 years, you shouldn’t still be asking, “Can you hear me now?” Pronto's here to help.