[sperry]

I started with Cingular. They jerked me around, so I left.

Got AT&T... they got bought by Cingular... so on principal, Cingular will not get my money.... so I left. Again.

Now I'm on Nextel. So far it rocks. My phone kicks das booty.

Here's a little summary:

Cingular: good GSM network, Nokia phones are pretty nice, but cheap feeling, customer service sucks... (I had free text messaging for like 2 years, suddenly they decided I didn't and I got a $90 charge on my bill. I told them turn the free messaging on or they were losing their customer. They lost their customer.)

AT&T: Started on their TDMA network. Decent coverage, but older technology (calls dropped, no internet access). I had a KICKASS v60 Motorola phone... best phone evar! Then I washed it in the laundry. Didn't have insurance. So I got a Panasonic mMode phone on AT&T's GSM network (no AT&T GSM Motorola's at the time). Phone was sweet on paper (badass color screen, built-in modem, camera), but mediocre in reality. AT&T's GSM network had less coverage than the TDMA, but now that AT&T phone log into Cingular's towers, the coverage is much better.

Nextel: Expensive... at least the plan I'm on now, however I get 1000 minutes, free incomming, free direct connect, free long distance, free nights/weekends, free internet, free text messages, and insurance. The direct connect feature is annoying to everyone that doesn't have it but having it rules, it's so convienent. Plus I finally have a sweet Motorola phone again... the i830 is like the v60 times two!

So, I'd suggest the Nextel, just because there are so many of us SECCS people that are getting on board, but it might be overkill for you... you might be cool w/ T-Mobile (which I've heard good things, but haven't had any direct experience w/ 'em).