[moskatl]

I know this is very subjective and geographically dependent question. I am looking to purchase a 3G blackberry and am asking people to offer their opinions regarding the major cell providers. I am based out of Atlanta and DC but travel around the country. This is a two part questions who has the best 3G network and who has the best cell coverage. Thanks

[Dubdub]

Well you hit it right on the nose to begin with. The best network is the one which provides YOU the best coverage when and where you need it - where YOU live, work, travel and play. What works others might not be the one for you.

For me, I use ATT and Verizon. ATT for voice and email and Verizon for Broadband data. ATT is really good other than within 50 feet of my house and there we are in a black hole. Verizon and Sprint both work great inside the house, including my basement. I have 0 to 1 bar with ATT.

I use Verizon (MiFi2200) for broadband (3G) data access for my Macbook. Works great no matter where I am. Typically CDMA has a better signal inside, it just seems to penetrate better.

Of the big 4 cell providers, ATT and Verizon have the best networks in terms of coverage. Sprint is third and T-Mo brings up the rear, probably why their prices are less. IMHO, Verizon has the best data network, others will say Sprint or ATT. Just depends on where you are.

[rambo47]

Having just gone from AT&T to Sprint, I can say that here in northern NJ, Sprint > AT&T. Recently my mother in law was in the hospital. My wife's AT&T iPhone couldn't get a signal until she went out into the middle of the parking lot. My Sprint Tour had a good signal throughout the hospital. In the rare instances when I lost my Sprint signal I automatically roamed onto Verizon's network (for free). That's one thing I love with Sprint - pay for the cheaper Sprint network and get both Sprint's and Verizon's networks.

[lostman72]

I recall Verizon getting top ratting from Consumer Reports as being the best in DC? I would ask several people what they use and go from there. Also with Verizon you have 30days to try it out and see how it works for you.