Getting a family plan.

[SilverWeed]

My parents have always wanted to get rid of our normal phones and just get cell phones, not only because they hate bellsouth but also because my Dad recently got a new job that will have him traveling almost constantly, and also due to constant telemarketing. My only problem with this is I find most cell phones to be tiny and hard to use (low volume and the person on the other end of the line can almost never understand me). Are there any cell phones that DON'T have these problems?

Also, are there any services that stand out from the others (I live in North Carolina, my Dad will be in Michigan when he is traveling)?

Thank you [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img].

[scottb]

This depends on where you live in NC. I live in the Triad area and have Verizon - they have been very good. I had Alltel before and they were almost as good, but not quite. I understand Sprint is ok in this area, but a bit spotty. I don't know about the others. Verizon may be spotty in parts of Michigan, depending on where your dad will be. Take a look at Verizon's - and others' - Web sites to get an idea on their coverage maps.

[SilverWeed]

I live in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, near Culbreth Elementary.. which has a tower next to it, I need to find out what company uses it if its just one ;P.

Right now we're looking at nextel and verizon.

Are Nokia phones able to be used with other services (ie verizon)?

[scottb]

You should be ok with Verizon where you are. Many people use Nextel in my office I hear some of them say coverage is spotty (or non-existent) when traveling. Some Nokia phones are usable on Verizon, call and check about the one you are interested in. It has to be a tri-mode CDMA to work on the Americas Choice plan - and the Verizon store must be able to program it.