So you want to get a mobile phone? Number #1: you must select the provider that has the best coverage for the place you live. If you travel, you must look at those coverage areas, too.
I live in Stamford, CT, and I use Sprint PCS. Sprint PCS offers the best coverage from Boston to Washington, DC, all of the places I go the most. All services lose their signal in the back parts of CT so there's no escaping that annoyance.
Sprint PCS also offers great rates. I have the $34.99 a month for 1,500 minutes with a one year contract. One thing you must watch out for is this plan only includes 250 daytime minutes. I shot over my mark by 500 minutes the first month. Oops. But I learned my lesson by the second month.
AT&T loses service on I-95, a major highway. Verizon was on strike recently and customer service faltered. SNET offers poor plan rates.
All in all, Sprint PCS offers the best rates with the best coverage with the most minutes in the NYC Metro area.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 34.99