Will my choice in networks
impact my reception?

Yes...... Although most cell phone networks work well in large cities, or on well traveled highways, some networks typically provide better coverage in rural areas or when roaming.

Here's a breakdown of the current networks, their purpose - and their limitations:

• Analog - was the first technology used by cellular carriers, and is available in roughly 95% of the U.S.

  Although widely used until the last decade, most carriers have opted to discontinue their analog service, and have replaced it with digital networks.

  To date, only Cingular and Verizon offer dual bands availabe on both their handset and service. Dual bands offer both digital and analog calls without roaming.

• CDMA - short for Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA is considered to be the second generation (2G) in cellular technology.

  Wireless companies first began using CDMA in 1995. Both Sprint PCS and Verizon currently operate on an enhanced version of CDMA.

• CDMA2000 - without getting too technical, CDMA2000 has many variations, most of which are 3G technologies.

  This technology promises a much faster transfer of data, (as fast as a DSL or cable modem) and is offered by Sprint PCS as "PSC Vision" and by Verizon as their "Express Network"

• GSM - short for Global System for Mobile Communications- this network is the world standard for cellular technology.

  While many areas of Europe and Asia have always relied on GSM, its only begun getting its foothold here in the United States.

  Cingular has now converted their network service to the GSM network. T-Mobile has used GSM since 2002, when it made its transition from Voice Stream to T-Mobile.

• GPRS - short for General Packet Radio Service- it is a faster version of GSM, and operates at speeds simular to a home dial-up modem.

  GPRS is considered a 2.5G technology. Handsets that rely on this type of service are referred to as GSM/GPRS phones. Both T-Mobile and Cingular have integrated GPRS into their existing GSM network system.

• iDEN - short for Integrated Digital Enhanced Network - was developed by Motorola for use in Nextel phones.

  The iDEN network has the unique ability to combine; a digital cell phone, walkie-talkie, alphanumeric pager, and data/fax modem in a single network.

  But, because Nextel is the only major wireless carrier using this network, calls are difficult to hand off to other carriers and are some times dropped. The technology is also limited in terms of 3G options.

• TDMA - short for Time Division Multiple Access - this technology was used by AT&T until its recent merge with Cingular.

  New AT&T phones will use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for their main source of calling. Sprint PCS will be used as an alternative network in situations where VoIP cannot be used.

  For more comparisons of carrier's networks, or cellular phone service, click here.