Comparison Cellular Phone Services

Comparison Cellular Phone Services

In the United States, there are at least four major network operators that offer cellular phone services. There are smaller regional networks, like Alltel Wireless and US Cellular, for you to consider as well. They are just as worthy of your business as the bigger players, but it's obvious that these larger nationwide networks will garner the most attention.

T-Mobile USA

T-Mobile USA is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom. Perhaps best known for its Sidekick line of messaging phones, T-Mobile has done a great job marketing itself to trendy younger users and tech-savvy enthusiasts. The company's native network operates largely on the GSM 1900MHz , though it does have roaming agreements in place with several regional carriers.

Another major service that T-Mobile provides is something that it calls HotSpot@Home. In a nutshell, select phones equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity can make phone calls over an Internet connection rather than through a cellular connection. This add-on UMA service costs about $10 a month.

Because T-Mobile does not make use of the 850MHz frequency, reception may vary depending on where you are located. The lower frequency typically has better range and penetration than the 1900MHz frequency. The launch of a 3G network should help to improve this situation, as well as provide faster wireless data.

AT&T (Cingular)

We may have known the company as Cingular for a number of years, but the transition to the AT&T branding is now complete. AT&T is home to the incredibly popular Apple iPhone. Unlike T-Mobile, AT&T operates largely on both the 850MHz and 1900MHz bands of the GSM spectrum. AT&T also has a high-speed 3G network in place.

Many of AT&T's services are geared toward multimedia and wireless connectivity. With devices like the LG Vu, AT&T is well prepared to offer services like mobile television. The inclusion of the Apple iPhone has also served AT&T very well.

By and large, AT&T cell phones work best in major metropolitan areas. This is part of the nature of GSM-based services, which do not offer the same kind of range as CDMA-based cellular phone services.

Sprint-Nextel

The merger of Sprint and Nextel brought together the CDMA services of the former with the iDEN push to talk services of the latter. One of the most notable developments at Sprint has been the announcement of the $99 Unlimited Plan. This is a cell phone plan that truly is unlimited, offering users unlimited minutes, wireless data, text messages, and just about everything else you can do on your phone.

When doing a comparison of cellular phone services, you will also want to look at what handsets are available from your carrier of choice. One of the best equipped and most affordable phones available from Sprint is the Palm Centro. Another highlight is the iPhone-competing Samsung Instinct.

Sprint is working hard on the launch of their XOHM WiMAX network as well. This is supposed to be even faster than the 3G networks offered by T-Mobile and AT&T.

Verizon Wireless

Another CDMA-based wireless service provider is Verizon Wireless. Perhaps one of the best known features of Verizon Wireless phones is the ability to take advantage of the company's V CAST multimedia service. V CAST can be used to download video, purchase music, and perform all sorts of other fun things.

The LG enV2, pictured above, is one such V CAST-equipped handset. It has a camera, music player, and even the ability to watch mobile TV. The full QWERTY keyboard is also very handy for sending text messages and reading email messages. Verizon offers some great coverage in smaller towns and select rural areas.

The Best Cell Phone Service

In the end, a comparison of cellular phone services is largely user-specific. There is no such thing as the best cell phone service for everyone, but there's no one-size-fits-all configuration. The best bet is to shop around and find the best mobile phone and the best plan for you. Don't forget that prepaid and family plans are very viable options as well.