If you're looking at GSM service from T-Mobile, Cingular, or AT&T, those services no longer have analog on their new phones. The tri-band phones you're talking about are 3 digital frequencies for different parts of the world. GSM 1900mhz is used in the USA. 1800 used in Europe. I don't know where 850 is used at. As for CDMA carriers (Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Cricket, Alltel, and USCellular to name a few), I can tell you Verizon Wireless is nearly all digital. Alltel is still analog in most of their coverage area. I don't know how much of Sprint, Cricket, and US Cellular are analog. If you plan to look at T-Mobile, AT&T, or Cingular for service, expect to find areas with no service because of no analog availability on their phones.
Please forgive my ignorance. I am unclear about analog roaming. I live out in the boonies and near the mountains in GA. I am planning on purchasing a new phone as my former had substandard reception and was REALLY out of date. I was planning on getting at least a 850/1800/1900 band phone. However, many of them say that they do not have analog roaming available. I am concerned, but not sure, that some of the areas around here are analog. The customer service reps I have spoke with recently and in the past have not been correct about the things that they have told me so I am reluctant to trust them. Any advice would be appreciated.

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