question about new phone purchase

[seand562]

I have searched through various threads on this site and have not been able to gain a clear understanding of a situation that I have encountered.
I intend to purchase a Panasonic EB-GD55 phone, but it only operates on 900/1800/1900 mhz. I understand that this will not allow me to access the 800-850 mhz band of service, and that 900/1800 are for worldwide.

my question is whether or not the 1900mhz connection will be available widely enough to make the purchase of this phone worthwhile, or if I should consider something else.
I have Cingular as my provider
I am located in Orange County, CA. 90740 if it helps

[Airb330]

You can use a 1900-only phone with Cingular, only if you are a CA/NC/SC Cingular customer, which you are. In most places, you will roam on T-Mobile or ATT 1900 GSM. So, yes, you can do this. I suggest that you buy a different phone though. Something dualband (850/1900), triband (850/1800/1900), or even quad band (850/900/1800/1900). Cingular uses the 850 band in most of their markets, like Philly, DC, Miami, etc. This band gives increased reception, because it can penetrate buildings better due to a lower frequency. I have also heard the GD55 gets really bad reception, and that coupled with the lack of 850--I would definitely try something else. There are plenty of good phones with 850 (Motorola v400, Samsung's, Nokia's). Hope this helps some!

[ComicalMoodyDan]

I wouldn't purchase a phone that doesn't have 850 capability on Cingular. Quite a bit of the Cingular/AT&T Network uses 850. You will be cutting quite a bit of your coverage out if you plan on traveling.

The US uses 850/1900 while the rest of the world uses 900/1800. If you never travel out of the US you don't need anything other then a dual band (850/1900) phone. If you plan on traveling worldwide your best bet with Cingular is to get a tri band (850/1800/1900) phone or if you really want the best worldwide coverage I'd highly recommend a quad band (850/900/1800/1900) phone. A quad band phone with give you truely the best GSM coverage avaible worldwide.

Unfortunely there isn't many quad phones out right now. Currently the only Quad band phone that Cingular sells is the Motorola V400. I've heard its a good phone though and I recommend you look into it. Stay away from anything Panasonic. There phones are crap.