Verizon Wireless

The most effective way to judge cell phone service is via large-scale surveys that poll users on best network coverage, fewest circuit overloads, least number of dropped calls and most effective customer service. Consumer Reports collects responses from nearly 52,000 subscribers in 23 major cities; J.D. Power and Associates polls about 21,000 users; and PC Magazine receives feedback from more than 20,000 readers. Rounding out our list of reviews is TopTenReviews.com, which compares various cell phone plans according to their features, as well as a list of user reviews on PhoneDog.com, though the individual comments here are more anecdotal than scientific.

Reviewers agree that Verizon Wireless, which works on the works on the CDMA network, has the best call quality and service, particularly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Western states; Verizon customers say they experience fewer dropped calls and circuit overloads than with other carriers. Be aware that in certain parts of the country -- such as the Southwest -- T-Mobile (*est. $30 per month and up), which works on the GSM network, is rated slightly ahead of Verizon, according to one major survey. Most Verizon handsets don't work in Europe, though you can use Verizon phones in many North and Latin American countries, as well as Japan and China.