Cell Phone Buying Guide For the Savvy Shopper

FINDING THE RIGHT PHONE AT THE RIGHT PRICE
FINDING A SERVICE PROVIDER
If you are going to be using your service only in the US, any of the major cell phone service providers and most available phones will probably do the job for you. However if you travel overseas frequently you will need to be sure that you are getting a triband or quad-band GSM phone and GSM service (which is standard in Europe) to meet your needs. You will find out that it will definitely make a difference in the provider that you choose, as Cingular and T-Mobile are the only providers that offer widespread international roaming. For use primarily in US all of the major service providers have many of the same options and services available and you should do the research to decide which ones are best for you and your family. In terms of how to get the provider that has the best reception in your area the best way to decide this is by talking to friends, relatives, or even people in the local businesses that you trade with to find out who they use and are happy or unhappy with. One other issue which should be considered is analog roaming. If you live or spend a lot time in a rural area you may find that analog roaming is a must for you. If this is the case you will want to make sure that you choose a phone and provider that offers analog service.

BASIC FACTS ABOUT SERVICE PROVIDERS
SPRINT PCS
Sprint is working on a high-speed EV-DO data network that should roll out in 2006; has push to talk service; and you can pay an extra fee to expand your night and weekend hours. Their Fair