Cell phone service providers (Knoxville, Johnson City: camping, bill, best)

[pannod]

I'm getting ready to change cell phone providers (currently have Sprint) and would like to know which company provides the best service/coverage in TN. I'd like coverage in town and if I go to the country or fishing or camping. Sprint never works in remote areas and I'm simply no longer satisfied with their service. I'm considering Verizon or Cingular. Which providers, in your opinion, from your experience do you feel offer the best service? I want to make certain I go with a company who'll give good service before and after I relocate. Thanks!

[Jillian]

Verizon seems to be the largest provider here, that is what I have and the service seems decent.

[pannod]

Both Verizon and Cingular appear to have a decent coverage area in TN according to the maps, but it's better to get first-hand info. I appreciate you taking time to reply.

[TNgirl]

US Cellular is the best cell phone provider I ever had! I'm using it for more than 5 years and would never change for any other one. Best connection! Best plans! Best customer service! I used to travel from CA to NY and never had any problems to place or receive a call.

Here is a good website. Just enter your zipcode and see what different providers offer in your aria. But US Cellular still the best...

Knoxville, TN

[TNgirl]

http://www.letstalk.com/product/prom...pgId=101&prId=

[pannod]

Thanks TNgirl! I never heard of US Cellular, but I'll check them out as well as the link you provided. I appreciate the info very much.

[GrannyLois]

I'm real pleased with Verizon.

[insanesmooch]

I think Cingular works well. I guess it depends on where you are going in TN also. There are a couple of spots up here in Northeast that it appears no phones work because there are no towers. Cingular also has a big call center in Johnson City so you would think they would try to work cover more here.

[TNLove]

Sprint offers free roaming so it's often not a problem. Off of the main roads, cities, towns, etc service is poor; but then again it is for Cingular too. Verizon seems to be the best choice, though they are expensive.

[insanesmooch]

Cingular has no roaming charges too. My phone number is actually a Nashville # and I am in the Tri-cities area. I'd hate to see the phone bill otherwise.
I've never had blackout spots with my phone until I came up here. I could pick up a signal (unless the phone system was down) from anywhere around Nashville or Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Up here in Northeast TN, the main spots I loose is through the Mountain/Cherokee Forest area and a particular out in the middle of no where type road. That road is supposed to be getting a tower soon though.
When I was with the realtor a few months ago, he couldn't pick up diddly with his phone. I forget what he had. None of the ones listed in the post ring a bell as to being the one he had.