What You Need To Know About
AT&T Wireless Service

AT&T Wireless has experienced its share of ups and downs since acquiring Cingular earlier this year.

But, the wireless company has made some significant improvements.

For one, the original CDMA network has now been replaced by GSM technology.

This switch in networks will provide better media options and much faster data transfers.

And, because GSM technology is popular in many other parts of the world, there's a better selection of cell phone models available than with any other cellular network.

The Carrier's Weakness?

Recent studies, conducted by consumer groups JD Power and Consumer Reports, both found AT&T's wireless service and Customer Care the poorest in the industry.

AT&T's dismal study results don't surprise most industry analysts. Many current and former customers have found themselves inconvenienced by the network switch, and confused by the seemingly constant name change.

More things you should know:

AT&T wireless has one of the largest cellular footprints (or coverage area) in the United States.

The carrier is also one of the oldest cell phone service providers, and is better established with more roaming agreements and towers than many of its newer wireless competitors.

In the past, the company has supplied dual bands for their cell phones and service. However, most newer AT&T models no longer provide Analog service. Instead, the carrier "farms out" it's AMP network to Verizon and Sprint, who utilize the network to roaming for their customers.

Service Plans and Incentives:

Nation Plans include local, regional and national calling plans. Both individual and family plans include;

• Rollover minutes - allows unused anytime minutes to roll over into the next month's allotment of minutes.

• Mobile to mobile - allows free calling to other in subscribers of the same network.

• Free Nights and Weekends - Nights are 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Weekends are 9:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Monday.

Need help choosing a plan? Here's a helpful tool to compare Cingular Wireless Family Plans or Shop By Rate Plan

Prices for individual service plans start at $39.99 and offer unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 weekend/night minutes.

Family plans start at $59.99 and include unlimited Mobile to Mobile and free nights and weekend minutes. Rollover minutes are also available with this plan.

Carrier's Special Offers

• Get a FREE V3xx RAZR Package from Wireless.ATT.com
• Get Two Motorola KRZR K1 phones Free (instant rebate), when opening a new AT&T family account!
• Huge Savings on an AT&T Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman!

Do You Qualify For A Free AT&T Phone? Not everyone does! Click here to find out more.

AT&T Walkie Talkie Phones, Refurbished Phones and Prepaid Phones:

In an effort to remain competitive, AT&T Wireless has expanded their market to include push-to-talk, refurbished and prepaid phones.

• The GoPhone from AT&T!operates on the same network as post-paid phones, and offers nationwide service.

• AT&T's walkie-talkie phones operate on Kodiak's PTT Network and Advanced Audio Service technology.

Refurbished Phones from AT&T! are phones that have been repaired either cosmetically or mechanically. Phones which have been refurbished are often sold at a 30% discount over new models.

Trial period:

AT&T provides a 30 days to try out your cell phone and service. The longest trial period of any national carrier.