Answers
I work for one of the US GSM carriers, and it is not TMobile, so you can guess that I have some information about the (proposed) aquisition.
1. As far as quality of service is concerned, you should actually notice better coverage after the merger. The relatively large scale of the AT&T Wireless GSM network is half the reason Cingular wants to buy AT&T Wireless. They probably do not plan on shutting down any AT&T Wireless sites unless it is a pure 1:1 overlap. Also, AT&T Wireless has cash-flow issues that will no longer be an issue when Cingular Wireless taxes over. This means more operating capital for network expansion and upgrades.
2. If you compare the plans between the 2 companies, you will see that they are stikingly similar, with one major exception. Cingular has roll-over. If this merger is like most others, former AT&T Wireless customers will be given the option of staying on their current plan through the remainder of their service agreement or moving over to one of Cingular's plans.
3. As far as device compatability, yes . They both use SIM cards and they both already have the capability of roaming on each network, (although calls currently drop during the handoff). The drop issue should be cleared up by upgrading the subscirber profiles once the companies merge. Unlocked phones can be brought to both networks.
Sorry for the book. I hope this info. helps.
P.S. As far as data is concerned, do NOT think about going to TMobile. Both AT&T Wireless and Cingular have launched UMTS in their company's home markets and are changing their data plans accordingly. TMobile does not have the operating capital to seriously compete in this arena. UMTS should be launched in more markets as the companies merge.
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