| There's nothing worse than being locked into a cell | | | | since networks vary widely over even a few |
| phone service that you don't like or finding out | | | | blocks. Try asking friends, coworkers, and |
| later that another carrier has options that better | | | | particularly neighbors about their experience with |
| suit your lifestyle. Because cell phones are | | | | different cell phones before making a final decision. |
| becoming more important in our everyday lives, | | | | Phone Technology |
| it's essential to carefully compare cell phone | | | | Though Verizon covers more areas, many have |
| service providers to find the best one for your | | | | criticized the lack of technology and visual appeal |
| needs. We've all seen the commercials and glossy | | | | of their phones. Historically, they have lagged |
| fliers for the most popular cell phone companies, | | | | behind the other carriers in implementing new |
| but in this article, we digs below the marketing | | | | technologies like Bluetooth and their phones tend |
| hype and compares the two largest carriers: | | | | to have an outdated look. However, this doesn't |
| Verizon and AT&T/Cingular. | | | | seem to be the case today. Over the past |
| Service Coverage | | | | several years, Verizon has been quick to |
| The greatest cell phone provider in the world is of | | | | implement the latest technologies. |
| no use if you are unable to get a signal. Before | | | | On the other hand, AT&T/Cingular has |
| making a decision, it's extremely important to find | | | | consistently remained on the cutting edge of |
| out which carriers have the strongest networks in | | | | phone technology. AT&T/Cingular was |
| your area. | | | | among the first mobile phone carriers to offer |
| Cell phone carriers use two different types of | | | | Motorola's Razr and is currently the only service |
| network technology, CMDA (Code Division Multiple | | | | to offer the Apple iPhone. |
| Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile | | | | Unique Features |
| Communications). Verizon uses a CMDA network, | | | | Verizon's marketing campaigns tout the fact that |
| which offers more expansive coverage | | | | the company offers the most reliable network, |
| throughout the US, especially in rural areas, but | | | | and this appears to be accurate based on |
| provides limited access in outside of the US. | | | | consumer studies. Verizon was the first to launch |
| AT&T/Cingular uses the GSM network which | | | | a high-speed 3G data network for fast internet |
| provides extensive global coverage. While this | | | | connection and also launched the first mobile TV |
| may be great for world travelers, it's not always | | | | network. |
| the best choice for those in small towns. Since | | | | One thing that consumers seem to like best |
| GSM inside the US mainly covers only | | | | about AT&T/Cingular is the plan's rollover |
| metropolitan areas, the AT&T/Cingular | | | | minutes. With rollover minutes, users can bank |
| network is available in fewer areas than Verizon. | | | | unused monthly minutes for up to a year. Analog |
| It is difficult to truly assess a cell phone service | | | | roaming is another feature inherent to AT&T |
| providers' effectiveness in your particular area | | | | Cingular plans that is unavailable with Verizon. |