I've made two other reviews on the cell phone carriers available here in the Port Angeles area. This is my last one. Once again, being from a rural and small town, cell phone reception is average compared to larger cities, or as they say "the top 100" in the market. Thanks to the recenter Cingular and AT&T merger, Cingular's GSM coverage has improved much in this area. About two years ago, they started to implement their own coverage here, placing towers in somewhat strategic locations, such as Carrie Blake Park and along the main highway to Port Angeles. However, with the addition of AT&T, the other weak areas improved. Similar to T-Mobile, GSM handsets are strictly digital, so you cannot migrate to the AMPS (analog) network. Due to the frequency limitations of GSM (the higher the number (like 1900MHz) the better the sound quality and speed of transmission, but the poorer the range of coverage and the penetration of buildings), once you leave the main highways and areas supported by the towers, you lose coverage--that's why T-Mobile's network is clear, but very narrow as indicated by its map. Fortunately, Cingular also utilizes 850MHz network here, which expands the coverage provided by each tower, as well as the penetration of buildings, etc. Consequently, Cingular can reach those places that T-Mobile cannot. Also, AT&T placed towers by Lake Crescent, and then Cingular recently placed towers in Forks and Kalaloch. So, in conclusion, if you're going to live in the Sequim, Gardiner, or Port Angeles areas, you will probably want to stay with Cingular or Verizon. As I tell my customers, your reception needs depend on where you use your phone and where you also plan on using it.
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