When I first purchased a Sprint phone, I was told that even though the area wasn't covered by Sprint networks, that I would not recieve any roaming charges. What I was not told was that the roaming area was analog, and that at best I would only have 2 bars of reception. After many problems with Cingular I had to switch phone services, and I must say that I am satisfied with Sprint 9 months out of the year while I am in college. But the three months at home during the summer are patience wearing when it comes to phone reception. I don't recommend owning a Sprint phone here, but it is certainly through no fault of their own. Blame Avoyelles Parish mediocrity for allowing Cingular and Centennial to run a cell phone cartel in places not named Marksville.