You could probably get a good GSM signal in most of Europe with a stick.

I have a good friend with ATT and when I travel with him it is clear that he gets lousy service. It does vary by area and Im glad you find that the V600 works. However, I must say that nationwide no one can even touch Verizon for coverage, not even close. And what is on the signal bar doesnt mean much. Companies set that different on different phones. Verizon is just really above competition in the US. They have other problems (mainly cost and international roaming), but not coverage.