I have had several of you say to stay away from AT&T. I live in Louisville, Kentucky but do travel mostly to major cities in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Southern Florida, New York, Washington and on the West Coast. In those areas how do ATT&T and Cingular compare?

Just based on talking with sales people, the AT&T people seemed sharper. Its current Nationwide 600 minute plan for $39,99 + $9.99 per added phone fits me well and says at least $10 and perhaps $20 per month over Cingular. So if they are about equal, I'd go AT&T.

What do you all say?

I salivated over the 10k AAdvantage miles for switching to ATT as my Verizon contract was up AND they had the phone I wanted AND the phone was $100. cheaper AND their sales people sounded sharp, however...........based upon my experience with ATT residential service I knew in my heart of hearts that after the sale I would never find a human and I watched a guy in the office wait at least a week for his phone service to kick in on the number portability issue alone.

I do not know if Verizon is an option in your area, but I can tell you that I have been with them for 10 years and their customer service has been excellent. I would also note that I saw a Consumer Reports article some time back that indicated VZ had the best coverage in the U.S. and, based upon my map perusal just recently, that appears to remain true. If you end up with the sch i600 or i700 make note of my username as you will want to contact me to find out who to ask for at Level 2 support.

check out www.howardforums.com for better information on cellphones.

Cingular is buying AT&T Wireless...... So, the question is almost mute. In a few months, they will be one company.

AT&T is awful! I have switched over from T-Mobile and nothing but problems.
Endless waits on hold with recorded messages to tell you how great they are.
Nothing delivered as stated, transferred 4times before someone would even listen.
Better prices than Cingular in So Cal and a 30day tryout period.
I'm thinking I might not last the 30days

And I've been happy w/ AT&T, so go figure. Had them for ages.

BTW - the $39.99 rate listed above - is that the Digital One Rate? If so, it dropped & I should chat w/ them about getting that rate. Think I'm slightly higher.

PS - Cingular/AT&T merger probably does make your ? a moot one.

As noted, Cingular will take the AT&T over, so buy which ever will lock you into the best rate now.

Switched from AT&T to T-Moblie a couple of years ago because of terrible customer service.
Switched back because AT&T has the only acceptable level of service in my particular part of town.

Have been happy with them since.

I have the 600 minute, 2 line National plan which included unlimited minutes to/from anothe AT&T subscriber. Since both of my sons are AT&T, and my wife is on my plan, talk is cheap all over the country.