Reliable coverage and a reasonable price were the most important factors to me when looking for a cellular service provider, and after doing a considerable amount of research on several networks, I chose CellularOne. They haven't disappointed me, as their coverage in California, as far as I can ascertain, is excellent (in the Bay Area, LA, and all along Highway 5).

I'm on the 125 Anytime minutes (meaning 125 7am-7pm M-F minutes, plus 1000 evening and weekend minutes at the time I signed on. This may have been a promotion and no longer offered) plan, and find it just about right as a medium-user. It's $30 per month. Unless you really enjoy chatting on the phone for great amounts of time, you'll find that the minutes go a long way. On this plan, you're restricted to your local area for those minutes; as soon as you call outside of the area, it's considered a long distance call ($.30 per minute), and if you travel outside of the area, you're considered roaming ($.40 per minute). But, as long as you use roaming and long-distance minutes responsibly, it's probably worth it to NOT upgrade to a California plan, which allows you a lot more freedom with travel and out-of-state calls. The cheapest CA Plan is $20 more at $50 per month. Also, remember you can use a 1-800 calling card to make long distance calls, so that you're actually only paying potentially four or five cents per minute, plus airtime. It's a worthwhile trick.

I was in LA recently, and noticed that coverage was excellent throughout the region, and even through the most remote sections on Highway 5. A call I received while driving in the middle of California came through loud and clear. I've had no problems with dropped calls and poor reception, as I know several of my friends have had with services like Sprint, even in the most populated areas of SF.

I've also found Customer Service to be very good. My experience has been a 3-5 minute wait to talk with someone, and everyone I've spoken with has been very helpful.

One thing to watch out for: you're committed for 12 months after you sign with them, and if you decide to change your plan, that renews your commitment for 12 months again, starting from the change-date-- it's not necessarily 12 months of being a CellularOne customer.



Recommended: Yes