signal range in rural area 850>1900?

[joes]

I've been reading that verizons signal at 1900 has greater range than a tdma signal out in the country and that is one area where they really excel. Now with carriers upgrading their tdma systems to 850 gsm, and with all things being equal, will signal range increase and be more competitive with vz 1900 for rural markets?

[Buickman]

Other way around, 800 ( also called 850 ) MHz travels farther than 1900 MHz. Verizon uses mostly 800, I think the only places they use 1900 are WI, some of TX, and FL. The type of signal, TDMA, CDMA, or GSM really isnt a factor in signal range except for the fact that the quality of a TDMA signal is much lower than that of CDMA and GSM. Basically, if GSM and CDMA systems are setup in the same area, both on 800 MHz, and both have good tower spacing, both systems should be perfectly good.

[joes]

Thanks for the info. and why would Verizon use the weaker signal in certain area such as Florida? Is is due to Fl being flat and not needing a signal to travel over hilltops, etc..

[GoodmanR]

It is a licensing issue.

Only two carriers are allowed to operate on the 800 band in any given area.

PCS (1900) licenses are easier to get so more carriers use them.