I have to laugh when I see commercials like this from AT&T-or any wireless carrier for that matter:



I can name at least a couple of places where I get zero bars on AT&T. And you know what? They're inside buildings, much like the bar in this commercial.

The voice over on this commercial says "for the best coverage," to which the text disclaimer on the screen says "based on global coverage." That may be true, but it still doesn't mean you'll have coverage everywhere. For example I frequently have zero bars when I'm in the locker room at the YMCA or at the gymnastics place I take my kids sometimes.

Bottom line, folks, even the coverage maps don't tell the complete tale. You've gotta try the service out to see where the service works or doesn't. Take advantage of whatever trial period the carrier offers to ensure it has more bars in more places-places you actually go on a regular basis.