Coverage Maps?

[t720]

I know that a bunch of providers are upgrading plans and maps. Can anyone tell me the dates (or at least some of them) for these provider's plans and maps?

- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Nextel
- Sprint

[jayc]

June 1st for Verizon.

[t720]

Thanks, Jayc. Does anyone else have any other info?

[Matt]

I would guess TM will update their maps when the AT&T roaming agreement takes effect, which is rumored to be 15 June.

[northform]

When is the new Cingular/T-Mobile agreement coming into effect?

If you want GSM1900 maps, go to gsmworld.com and click on roaming. Unfortunately, they do not include GSM800 coverage in the maps since they are meant as a tool for foreigners whose world phones wouldn't support GSM800, but would support GSM1900.

[Matt]

There is no new Cingular/T-Mobile agreement. They just extended the current one through 2006.

[polonius]

Originally posted by: northform
When is the new Cingular/T-Mobile agreement coming into effect?

If you want GSM1900 maps, go to gsmworld.com and click on roaming. Unfortunately, they do not include GSM800 coverage in the maps since they are meant as a tool for foreigners whose world phones wouldn't support GSM800, but would support GSM1900.

No, no, no, not at all. It will show GSM 850 once the carriers update their respective maps on the gsmworld site (you will note that TMOs map is 2 years out of date, even though it says "updated March 2003). It is understood you will need a 850mhz compatible phone for any network listed as 850 (for example, see the coverage map for C+W Panama, which is the world's first GSM 850 network). Most "foreigners" phones do not support GSM 1900 either, although tri-bands are becoming more popular.

Until quad band phones come out, most visitors will rent a 850/1900 dual band.