As any college student knows, life is full of choices, some more important than others. While the problem of choosing a cell phone that works within the South Bend area may not be the most pressing issue for Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students, choosing between the different companies can still be confusing, unless you do your research.

Two of the most frequently used cell phone services in the area are Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS. Both companies operate on a wireless system that strives to create a clear sound, private conversations and time-saving features.

Battle of the networks

Verizon Wireless is composed of numerous smaller companies that joined together when wireless cellular communication first became popular. Sprint PCS, on the other hand, built a digital network — a network of services that uses 1900MHz frequencies — from the ground up and began buying up the largest percentage of the frequency markets offered by the government.

Seven years ago Sprint spent $5 billion to buy networks with 1900MHZ frequencies, as opposed to the 800MHz analog frequency networks that were common before the government made the change.

To understand the difference between analog and digital cell phones, Sprint sales manager Robert Orcutt compared the quality to AM and FM radios.

"The 800MHz networks may be provided over a longer distance but they are not as clear, said Orcutt. "The newer [digital network, as compared to] FM radio, may not reach as broad of a spectrum that the analog can, but it is working from the higher end of the frequencies, so the connection is clearer. Sprint is 100 percent 1900MHz."

While Sprint PCS was the first Personal Communication Services player in the market, Verizon is equally programmed to work on networks throughout the United States. However, Sprint PCS works only through its own 1900MHz networks.

Verizon Wireless is a combination of all networks that have both 800MHz and 1900MHz towers. Verizon has more towers because it owns both the analog and digital towers that date from the older generation of cell phones; nevertheless, the connection is not always as strong since it works from an 800MHz network.

Both companies own towers throughout the country, creating the unified nationwide network that allows for wireless service nearly anywhere where competitive service is available.

Verizon Wireless

Combining old technology with new, Verizon Wireless is programming the phones to work solely on the digital networks. Verizon uses many towers to decrease the odds that the roaming rate will apply, but because the company offers one flat rate, the additional roaming cost is already included into the plan.

Verizon works on a domestic calling program, offering separate plans that allow the owner to choose the best deal for their lifestyle. The three main options are the Local Digital Choice plan, which covers the South Bend and northern Indiana area; the Regional Single Rate plan, which includes all of the Midwest; and the National Single Rate, which incorporates all of the country.

The Local Digital Choice plan is designed for customers who plan to call close to home, while the Regional Single Rate is geared toward those who are within driving distance of the home area where the phone is purchased. The National Single Rate works best if the customer plans to talk to people around the country or if they desire domestic roaming in their plan.

Each plan correlates with the domestic area that is chosen. Once outside of the domestic area, the owner must pay the domestic roaming fee of $.65 per minute.

The Verizon Wireless Free Up Network rates are also offered, which include areas that are selected to charge only the Free Up rates. This plan enables the buyer to prepay for their time and to buy the plan up front.

To activate a Verizon Wireless phone there is a $30 activation fee for a one-year agreement, or no activation fee for a two year agreement. There is, however, a $175 early termination fee that applies to both deals.

Sprint PCS

Sprint PCS offers two plans that accommodate either a local caller or a nationwide caller. Long distance is included in the Real Nationwide Long Distance plan for no additional charge. In the local plan, the overall price is cheaper but the long distance costs an added $.20 per minute.

Because Sprint PCS works through its own networks, the roaming rate only applies when a Sprint tower cannot be found and Sprint must pay for the use of a different company's tower. Sprint PCS's roaming rate of $.39 per minute applies when calls are made off the network.

Sprint PCS also offers a great deal of night and weekend minutes to accommodate for calls that are not made during the quieter hours. Sprint has to pay for the towers' power at all times, and since they are used less when it is not prime business hours, the additional minutes are included to increase interest in the nights and weekends. Notre Dame's Sprint PCS network site is always close to capacity during the weekend hours.

Although the Sprint PCS pricing plans appear to be more appealing to the average bargain-minded college student, the South Bend service area must also be considered. Because Sprint does not own the older towers that Verizon has, local reception is not as good indoors and in more remote locations.

Sprint does have a better reception when outside buildings, but due to the lack of power, the reception cannot penetrate through walls, making it difficult to call from dorm rooms and classroom buildings.

Also, as Sprint works only off of 1900MHz frequencies, it cannot pass as easily through metal and concrete. Higher frequencies do not move through walls and concrete as easily as the lower analog frequencies that Verizon uses.

Putting the sales pitch to the test

The Verizon Kyocera 2135 cell phone works not only in dorm rooms such as Howard Hall, but also in Debartolo Hall and in the basement of the Huddle. Reception is clear from the Joyce Center, Carroll Hall, South Dining Hall and the library. Essentially, the Verizon cell phone works everywhere on campus with little difficulty or disturbance in the conversation.

Although the Sprint SPH-N200 phone creates a clearer conversation when it is in use outside of any buildings, it would not work from any indoor locations on campus. The Sprint PCS phone can work from a dorm room when its antenna is out the window, but the service is unpredictable and often goes out before the end of a conversation.

Looking to the future

According to Orcutt, Sprint is working to build a tower just north of Notre Dame that would enable better reception in buildings on campus.

"It takes time and money to do anything, and northern Indiana has only been on air for a year, so with time this system will be unbelievable," Orcutt said.

Although Sprint does not appear to be the more beneficial service in the South Bend area, the company is looking toward the future.

"Sprint is building new networks with new technology," said salesman John Kadletz. "It is the only wireless company that has one network with one technology across the nation."

Verizon is trying aggressively to make the transition to all digital service, but it is a timely process that will eventually lead them to greater capacity and higher frequencies.

Until then, however, Sprint PCS is the only all-digital company. In an effort to accommodate even more customers than their current 230 million, the company plans to grow and develop a broader spectrum of service.

Sprint's coverage area may not currently be as extensive as Verizon's, but both are working towards a more futuristic network that can appease all customers inexpensively.

Accessorize, accessorize

Both phone companies have their own perks that entice the customer to choose their plans over another. Sprint and Verizon both offer voice mail, caller ID and the wireless web connection that enables e-mail systems and Internet connections.

Verizon is also the first company to promote safer driving with cell phones by including ear pieces that enable the driver to talk on their cell phone hands-free. In light of recent laws that have been passed in select states prohibiting the use of handsets while driving, Verizon offers a practical and easy solution.

Making a smart decision

Sprint and Verizon both offer accessories that can enhance the cell phone, and both have features that are appealing to the average college student.

Though Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS each have their own positives and negative points, the decision to choose a cell phone comes down to the individual. Verizon Wireless does provide a better connection from the Notre Dame campus, but Sprint PCS is continuing to grow in network in an effort to reduce roaming rates.

At the moment, the Verizon service appears to best accommodate the needs of a Notre Dame or Saint Mary's student, but if quality and service are desired for a long term plan, Sprint PCS seems to be the best route to take.

The bottom line in this "digital decision" is that consumers have to do their homework before buying a cell phone.

"You need to know where you are when you call, where you are calling and what time you hope to use your phone," said Kadletz. "If you research these three aspects before buying a cell phone, you should be able to find the network that works best for you and only you."

• The digital decision