Analogue/ tri-mode phones; long distance in Europe

[DrRock]

Where to begin?
I've followed cel. phones & technology development a bit for a few years, but know not that much about systems.
I have an AT&T model 3760 analogue (TDMA(?)) phone. AT&T probably didn't actually make the phone, just branded it, like they did with answering machines, etc.
The phone is supposed to be data capable, but I haven't tried it yet. With the car booster, it works quite well in a lot of rural Canadian areas. The phone itself can do a lot of things that a network service provider would want a subscriber to use of their offerings. One problem is that I've used the phone so much that the keypad numbers are almost worn off and the connection to the battery is loose, so that unless I use it in the car (12V), it tends to separate from the battery. The LED display is also somewhat fragmented. So, a new/refurbished 3760 might be a solution. I've located one dealer who says they have a new one, but for a $475. price tag (I don't know if C$ or $US). I'm not keen on that investment, especially if the platform is on it's way out.
I'm considering as an alternative, the Ericsson R250d PRO "The Rock", which Rogers AT&T (my wireless carrier) used to offer as an available model, but now for an unknown reason, does not. It's hard to get straight answers from Rogers, unless one talks to the tech. people. I have similar obsolescence concerns, if say, GSM becomes the platform of choice for this carrier.
I also just got back from Malta, where I made the mistake of phoning on a land line back to Canada. Some of the Cel. carrier companies advertise L.D. rates to France & Italy (nearby) of $0.09 per minute. I had not researched a cel. phone alternative before I left, & unfortunately the bill was a couple of orders of magnitude greater. My question is: Can I get a Canadian working phone, preferably that works in rural areas, that will also work in Europe? Also, anybody have any knowledge of cel. phone L.D. costs from Europe (Malta, in this example). If the same return rates apply as to leaving Canada, then it would have been cheaper for me to have paid as I went, & just outright bought the phone when I was there.
Sorry for the ramblings. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[ZaphodB]

Welcome to Wirelessadvisor.com!

Unfortunately, I don't have very good news for you.

European cell phones use GSM as a standard, and specifically GSM 900/1800MHz. Pure GSM phones in the US and Canada do not have analog backup. In addition, the US and Canada use 800/1900MHz (really 850/1900, but 850 is not a band) bands for GSM.

There is a technology called GAIT, which stands for GSM and ANSI-136 Interoperability Team, which allows one phone to operate on GSM and ANSI-136 (N.B.: The ANSI-136 standard is TDMA technology with AMPS backup). Unfortunately, GAIT phones sold in the US and Canada are currently GSM 800/1900, TDMA 800, and AMPS 800. This leaves out the European frequency.

Technically it would be quite easy to design tri-mode (GSM/TDMA/AMPS) GAIT phones with quad-band (800/900/1800/1900) GSM, but there isn't really a market force behind it yet and the technology is still new. Must get some of the bugs out of the simpler technology before moving onto more complicated technology, of course.

Some reading on GAIT for you at the CommsDesign page of the EETimes.

Your best bet may be to get TDMA/AMPS phone (as Rogers currently sell). I don't think Rogers sell GAIT phones yet, though there is a very large GSM footprint in the inhabitable parts of Manitoba, GSM coverage all along the highways of Saskatchewan and throughout even rural Alberta, and in inhabitable BC. Western and Northern Ontario are right out, though. (source) Then get yourself a cheapo prepaid one for Europe. You can buy them unlocked on eBay (though be prudent from whom you buy).