If your wireless service decision is based on national survey results -- it may be a safe choice.

The carrier ranked well in two recent independent surveys conducted on the wireless industry.

These surveys are often relied upon to gauge how well a cellular phone company is performing.

Verizon's Survey Results:

In a recent national survey by Consumer Reports, the carrier has received the top rank for the most reliable cell phone service three years in a row.

However, in two seperate JD Power surveys found T-Mobile users happier with both the company's service and Customer Care.

Verizon managed to place a close second in both of these national studies.

The FCC also ranks the wireless company as the major cell phone service with the least amount of billing or service complaints.

But, ranking well in national surveys doesn't mean the carrier's service is trouble-free. Verizon, like all the nation's carriers, has both strengths and weaknesses.

Network Service Strengths:

• Verizon is one of the oldest U.S. cell phone service providers, and generally has more towers and roaming agreements in place than some "newer" competitors.

• Older Verizon phones provide dual bands which operates on both Analog and Digital frequencies. However, few of the carrier's new cell phones have dual bands.

• Verizon has an exclusive agreement with the regional carrier, Alltel. The agreement allows users of either company to roam freely on each other's network.

• The carrier was the first U.S. cellular phone service to launch and market their Third Generation (3G) network. The new EV-DO technology provides better media options, and download speeds comparable to broadband.

Verizon's Weaknesses?

• Carriers that use CDMA networks typically offer less cell phone models and options than their GSM competitors, and provide less Bluetooth enabled phones.

• There are allegations that the company cripples the files and media transfers in some phone models in order to force customers to use the carrier's "Get It Now" network . These are functions that are otherwise offered free on a network. Features that are sometimes disabled include MP3 and Bluetooth.

Service Incentives and Cell Phone Plans

Verizon Wireless provides America Choice Cell Phone Plans for both individuals and families.

Service Incentives include:

Each Verizon Plan includes Unlimited Domestic Long Distance and Free Domestic Calling.

Individual Plans start at $39.99, and provide 450 anytime minutes, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile,Weekends and Nights.

Verizon Family Plans start at $69.99, and provide 700 shared minutes, and Unlimited Mobile to Mobile,Weekends and Nights. You are provided 2 lines for this price. An additional $9.99 will be added for each line.

Special Offers on Verizon Cell Phones

• The Motorola V3M is an upgrade to the popular V3C, and available in Pink, Silver or Charcoal. The Moto V3M model has much the same features as the V3C, but adds a new VCAST Music player and expandable memory card slot.

• The Verizon Chocolate offers a slide design and a touch-sensitive keypads. Internal features include an MP3 player and VCAST Music and Video,a 1.3 megapixel camera with video, Bluetooth with A2DP protocol for wireless stereo sound, and a microSD memory port for up to 2 GB of extra storage.

Verizon Prepaid Phones and Push To Talk Phones

In order to remain competitive with other carriers, Verizon has introduced both prepaid and walkie-talkie cell phone models.

Verizon's Prepaid InPulse Phones, offer both regional and nationwide calling, and operate on the carrier's CDMA network.

The carrier's Push-to-Talk phones use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) as a network, and also offer regional and national coverage.

Trial Period

Verizon offers a "Worry Free Guarantee". Customers receive 15 day to try out their free cell phone, or change cell phone plans - without paying a penalty or fee.