There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a cell phone service you don’t like or finding out later that another carrier has options that better fit your lifestyle. As cell phones become more and more important in our daily lives, it is essential to carefully compare cell phone service providers to find the one that best suits your needs. We’ve all seen the glossy commercials and flyers for the most popular cell phone companies, but in this article, we dig into the marketing hype and compare the two biggest carriers: Verizon and AT&T/Cingular.
service coverage
The world’s largest cell phone provider is useless if you can’t get a signal. Before making a decision, it is extremely important to find out which carriers have the strongest networks in your area.
Cell phone operators use two different types of network technology, CMDA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Verizon uses a CMDA network, which offers broader coverage throughout the US, especially in rural areas, but provides limited access outside the US.
AT&T/Cingular uses the GSM network which provides extensive global coverage. While this can be great for world travelers, it’s not always the best option for those who live in small towns. Since GSM within the US primarily covers only metropolitan areas, AT&T/Cingular’s network is available in fewer areas than Verizon.
It’s hard to really assess the effectiveness of a cell phone service provider in your particular area, as networks vary widely even within a few blocks. Try asking your friends, co-workers, and particularly your neighbors about their experience with different cell phones before making a final decision.
telephone technology
Although Verizon covers more areas, many have criticized the lack of technology and the visual appeal of its phones. They have historically lagged behind other carriers in implementing new technologies like Bluetooth and their phones tend to look dated. However, this does not seem to be the case today. In recent years, Verizon has been quick to implement the latest technologies.
On the other hand, AT&T/Cingular has consistently been at the forefront of telephone technology. AT&T/Cingular was among the first mobile carriers to offer Motorola’s Razr and it is currently the only service offered by Apple’s iPhone.
Unique features
Verizon’s marketing campaigns tout the fact that the company offers the most reliable network, and this appears to be true based on consumer studies. Verizon was the first to launch a high-speed 3G data network for fast Internet connection and also launched the first mobile TV network.
One thing AT&T/Cingular consumers seem to like the most is the plan’s portable minutes. With the accumulated minutes, users can accumulate unused monthly minutes for up to one year. Analog roaming is another feature inherent to AT&T/Cingular plans that is not available with Verizon.
Choosing the right cell phone provider for your need
Since Verizon offers the widest network, it’s probably the best option for most US residents, particularly those living in rural areas. If you live in the city or travel out of the country frequently, AT&T/Cingular (now associated with AT&T) is probably a better option.
