Wireless Service Providers

Well, first off, you've got the major players like Verizon, Alltel, Cingular, T-Mobile & Sprint. There are also small regional carriers, and for those, word of mouth is probably going to be your best source of information.

Problem is, they're all over, but they're not everywhere. Nobody has true coast to coast coverage yet, although some companies are buying up small, local service providers hand over fist. Even where they say they have coverage, you're better off to ask around, talk to your friends. Who do they use? What kind of service do they get? ARE THERE DEAD ZONES??? Nothing worse than a wireless DEAD ZONE, let me tell you!

You want coverage everywhere???? Carry two phones my friend, maybe three or learn to live with it and keep the faith. The providers are working to build their networks. They share towers if they have partnership agreements. But some of them just won't play nice together. Nyah, Nyah, you can't use my tower! So there!

It's sad but true, I guess that's one place that competition isn't all that good for the consumer. It'll get better, really! They're building new towers to offer thorough coverage for the metro areas but if you're outside a metro area, coverage will be spotty. If you're out in the sticks like me, well, turn your phone on and keep your fingers crossed.