What bands and carrier in the USA

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geomorphmarsh - 29 Jul 2006 01:18 GMT

We've just moved to the US from Australia, and have Nokia 6100 phones
which are GSM 900/1800/1900. I believe 850 and 1900 GSM bands are the
main GSM frequencies used in the United States--is this correct?

Can anyone tell me what carrier support GSM 1900 in Lexington,
Kentucky? We're just interested in voice calls and SMS rather than any
of the newer stuff. The phone will occassionally be used whilst
travelling elsewhere in the US, so we would like a good all-rounder, if
possible.

Is prepaid the way to go for low usage?

Or, would we be better off buying a new phone--if so, what is the best
all-rounder to go for?

Many thanks in advance.

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Donald Newcomb - 29 Jul 2006 14:38 GMT

> We've just moved to the US from Australia, and have Nokia 6100 phones
> which are GSM 900/1800/1900. I believe 850 and 1900 GSM bands are the
> main GSM frequencies used in the United States--is this correct?

Yes

> Can anyone tell me what carrier support GSM 1900 in Lexington,
> Kentucky? We're just interested in voice calls and SMS rather than any
> of the newer stuff. The phone will occassionally be used whilst
> travelling elsewhere in the US, so we would like a good all-rounder, if
> possible.

http://www.roamer1.org/wireless/se-cell.html
T-Mobile's native coverage is all 1900. Cingular uses both 850 & 1900. For
best nationwide coverage with either carrier it's best to have 850 because
T-Mobile now roams on a lot of 850 coverage from other carriers.

> Is prepaid the way to go for low usage?

Really is the best for low usage. Remember that in the US you pay the
airtime for both incoming and outgoing. You might want to look at this site:
http://www.cellguru.net/prepaid_compare.htm to compare prepaid plans. If you
get T-Mobile prepaid and put $100 on the account you become "Gold Rewards"
so the minutes get cheaper and last 365 days.

> Or, would we be better off buying a new phone--if so, what is the best
> all-rounder to go for?

In the long run, it might be better to solve this problem independent of the
technology. Find the carrier & plan that works best for your needs and if
it's not GSM then save the 6100 for trips overseas.

> Many thanks in advance.

U'r welcome

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Donald R. Newcomb
DRNewcomb (at) attglobal (dot) net

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