A lower number?

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The benefits of having GSM 850 are much like the benefits of having a
Tri-Mode CDMA phone from Verizon.  In markets where (Cingular and AT&T
in particular) have AMPS/TDMA coverage in the 800/850 mHz range, those
companies can also have GSM coverage using the current spectrum licenses
they have.  For example, Verizon has three main types of networks.
AMPS, CDMA 800, and CDMA 1900.  While in some areas Verizon does not
hold PCS spectrum (a licence to use 1900 mHz), it does hold spectrum in
800 mHz range.  Likewise, in other areas, where Verizon holds only a PCS
licence, you have the capability to use that.

T-Mobile, if I am not mistaken, uses only PCS (1900 mHz).  Cingular and
AT&T however both hold spectrum in the 800/850 range.

The benefits of having a phone that will allow you to use both 850/1900
will increase the area that your phone will function (whether or not
roaming agreements exist between your carrier and other carriers will
limit the use except for 911).

Real life scenario:

You have T-Mobile.  T-mobile uses 1900 mHz.  You travel to Warrensburg,
Missouri.  There is Company X in Warrensburg, that uses GSM 850.  If you
have the dual mode phone, you may be able to make and receive calls
(depending on if you are allowed to roam).  No matter what, you can call
911.  With the dual mode GSM phone, you have the added capability of
using GSM in another frequency.  In a life/death situation, having that
850 could save your life.

If you see 800 mHz and 850 mHz, they actually do refer to the same
frequency used for wireless communications.

I hope this helped you out.  If you have any questions over what I
posted, please feel free to ask.

Alan