I have mine with AT&T wireless and it doesn't work well outside of the metro area. My brother has US Cellular and his always seems to work. I plan to switch to either Verizon or Cingular. Verizon in the #1 provider and Cingular is number 2.

Look into the technology used be each. Verizon uses CDMA and this is based off military technology. Can't remember what Cingular uses, but ATT used GMS ( I believe) and they are currently upgrading their system as it is older technology,which may explain why their phones don't work well in areas covered by other people.

A large part of SW wash is covered by US Cellular so you may want to check into them and see what they use, but I would guess it is the same or compatible with Verizon.

Just some info I have learned in the last couple of weeks while trying to decide who to switch too.

I was told that Cingular is coming out with a new phone in May that is supposed to be the cats meow. they claim it will work on all the providers technology ( both digital and analogue) and therefore you should be able to get a signal anywhere you are.