Switch to nextel? PLEASE HELP

[CrzyGuyISU]

Ok everyone, here is my question. (I know alot, but not enough to answer my question, so I am leaving it to the experts...)

I have cingular in chicago market. I have a nokia 6590 and a moto t720 [i use both, depending on what mood i am in]

contract ends in jan and i am thinking about making a switch to nextel. i have family and friends that use it and would love to get the direct connect feature. although i am not sure about nextels coverage area and technology (which is tdma, if i remember correctly).

so i am looking for anyones suggestions on switching to nextel or any other company. i do like cingular and have had no problems. i really like roll over...but would love to get a direct connect nextel feature.

let me know. and thanks for the help!!!

[Jack]

CrzyGuyISU,

Nextel uses a technology called IDEN. This technology is based off of TDMA, as you stated.

I cant help you with the coverage question but can tell you that unless you get a promo from nextel you will be paying much more then cingular. Before you switch ask to switch phones with one of your relatives and see how it performes.

Hope this helps

Jack

[amc]

Most carriers are notorious for having great plans during the holiday season so it is a great time to be shopping around. Another thing that you can do is take over someone else's plan. There was a plan called the Breakthrough 10,000 (1000 anytime, unlimited night and weekend and unlimited direct connect). Occasionally people are trying to get out of their contract and you can take one over. It was a great plan for $55 a month. You can search here (I think) or www.howardforums.com in the buy/sell/trade area for people giving up plans.
If you are not interested in that plan or doing it that way then you will probably want a free incoming plan or another "national" plan. Long distance is included and there is usually a lot of DC minutes. You just need to evaluate your calling needs. I make more outgoing than receive incoming.
Unfortunately I cannot help you with Chicago coverage. Being a large city I would believe that it is pretty good. Remember that Nextel phones do not roam. You either have coverage or you do not. If you do a lot of traveling to remote areas it may not be the best for you. I live in Columbus Ohio and do not do a lot of traveling. Coverage is excellent and I even turned off my home phone because I could not justify the expense anymore for the number of calls that I got. I have that BT 10K plan and also have bonus minutes so I never go over.
Hope this helps.

[Rasputin]

I spend a good deal of time in Chicago with some subcontractors of mine who used Nextel. They seem to almost as good of coverage as my Verizon. I seemed to have a bit better interior and coverage on high floors in high rises.

Nextel is not cheap though once you add on the Direct connect feature it can get pricey.