Simon:
"Easy answer - switch to Bell. They have agreements with Verizon and Sprint."


Yes, rather than switching to GSM, you might want to consider switching to CDMA, and/or
anything that uses the Verizon network in the US (the best network in the US).


As an aside, if you wish the best coverage in rural areas, you should get a phone that
retains the old analog mode of operation. Unfortunately, many of the newer tiny phones
do not have analog mode, or if they do, have very small batteries, which don't allow much
operation time in rural areas with power-hungry analog operation. Also, the smaller
phones don't have large built-in antennas necessary for the lower frequency analog band
(compared to the higher frequency digital band) - - higher frequencies mean smaller
wavelengths, and smaller antennas.

If you want a good phone for rural or emergency operation, check out the Nokia 5185i.
This is an older phone, but still available from Bell, Verizon, Radio Shack, etc. It has
digital CDMA and the aformentioned analog mode. The "i" version was modified by Nokia
in San Diego for better operation at the lower US frequencies by adding an extendable antenna.
You can get some very high capacity batteries (try eBay) for extended operation in analog
mode, and for the extra security of having enough power while in rural areas. The large
battery also allows the phone to stand up by itself.



[This message has been edited by IJK (edited 08-30-2003).]