I can't believe how many people overlook US Cellular. I do a lot of riding on my motorcycle out in the country and the signal has been as good as my friends that have Verizon and sometimes better in certain places. The only difference is the price. I started with them 6-7 years ago and once my contract ran out, I just purchased new phones out of my pocket because I don't like being under contract. I still pay 39.99 for 1000 min. with everything incoming free. I know for a fact that there are only 2 providers worth anything in the Roanoke and surrounding areas. Verizon and US Cellular. Others may be ok if you stay inside the city limits but what's the point unless you are going to save some major money for that limited access...

This is probably the second provider that I've had in about 7 years and by far... Verizon beats Nextel hands down. Going down US24 is really difficult because there's no reception at all from the Pkwy. Bridge until you get to the light in Stewartsville or just past the gas station. Otherwise around town, the carrier is fine.

I have been with the same cell company since when it was suncom, bought out by cingular, and now called AT and T. Used to have no trouble but now I drop calls all the time and have no reception outside of the city. My family has Verizon and they have NO PROBLEMS. We went camping in Amherst and they all had phone service but NOT ME. Was in the hospital ER and again my family had service on the their verison and Ntelos phones but I could not get a single bar to appear! AT and T has fallen to the bottom as far as I am concerned. I will be switching to Verizon or Ntelos as soon as my contract runs out.