GSM service in Illinois?

[cbass2781]

Hi everyone! Have a question for anyone who can answer it. I am buying a new GSM phone that comes SIM free and SIM unlocked, in hopes that I can use it here. Now, I know T-Mobile and AT&T Wireless do use GSM--are there any other notable providers that do? Also, how is GSM reception compared to CDMA? And would it cost anything to get the phone started with a U.S. carrier (i.e., do I have to purchase a SIM card)?

And finally, any opinions of which GSM carrier is best?

Thanks for the help.

[EuRo]

Cingular Wirelesss just launched their GSM service in Illinois. So far GSM is running very well without many problems. Cingular in Illinois runs GSM at 850 Mhz. Both AT&T and T-Mobile have 1900 Mhz GSM in the area. 850 GSM will typically give you better indoor reception. Some customer are saying that GSM is running better in areas TDMA was not. Currently, Cingular has a promo out with 50% more minutes. Click here to see the rate plans. Cingular is the only wireless carrier to have ROLLOVER, so your unused minutes ROLLOVER from month to month. The only drawback is that there aren't that many 850 GSM phones out there yet! However, there are many on the list that have been announced.


MAP

[Shizam76]

Cingular has GSM service....it is new too! As far as reception, I'm not sure...I haven't had Verizon CDMA since 1999-2001...back then it was pretty crappy.

I have roamed on TMobile and AT&T GSM and they all sound about the same to me. So as far as who is the best.....thats a good question....Even though Cingular GSM is new and may have a few bugs....I like them so far. I heard AT&T has great GSM coverage. TMobile has good metro area and highway coverage.....but once out in BF Egypt, forget it.....thats what I've heard and seen from people.

[100thMonkey]

I haven't heard "out in BF Egypt" for awhile...kinda nostalgic