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Comparing the major cellular
phone service providers

One of the factors in your cell phone reception is the type of frequency your cellular phone service provider relies on.

Generally, all carriers work equally well in large cities or major highways.

But, when traveling to more rural areas of the country, some frequencies work better than others.

Here's a brief description of the five types of cell phone frequencies, their pros and cons, and which service provider uses them:


Types of Service Providers:

  • Dual Band - these providers can generally provide the best reception in rural areas because both phones and service rely on Analog and Digital frequencies.

    Typically, these are "older" carriers who began their service when cellular technology was conceived. These carriers tend to be better established with more towers and roaming agreements than "younger" wireless competitors.

    Both Cingular and Verizon provide dual bands in their phones and service.


  • PCS Band with Dual Band Handset - these providers offer a digital PCS network, but supply dual band cell phones to their customers.

    These carriers focus a good part of their coverage to populated areas, such as cities and highways.

    Sprint PCS is an example of this type of provider.


  • PCS Band Only- this type of provider generally has well established towers in major cities, but tends to have limited towers available in more rural areas.

    This provider offers only one digital band for its network. This means that the carrier can only receive and transmit PCS frequencies. The network does not support Analog.

    T-Mobile is an example of a PCS Band only provider.


  • Cellular Only providers are generally your smaller carriers who offer regional or local cellular calling.

    Major carriers often have roaming agreements with these types of providers for cellular service in rural areas. These carriers rely on their original Cellular Band and provide dual band phones for Digital roaming.


  • iDEN - providers must work on their own frequency because they are not capable of connecting with other network systems.

    Coverage for these carriers are usually limited to well populated areas. This provider is not recommended for use in rural areas.

    • Nextel Southern Linc and Mike are the cellular phone service providers currently using this system in North America.