Shopping for cell phone plans...

[ames7]

I'm on a T-Mobile family plan right now & the contract's about to run out. I want a new phone but I need to keep my number (have like 14 million job applications floating around w/that number), so I'll probably have to switch from T-Mobile.

So question. It looks like Verizon has the best family plans outside of T-Mobile. Anyone have Verizon? How's the service/reception in Dallas area? I don't really understand what this whole "In network" thing is, does that affect their coverage?

Regarding other brands, i.e. Cingular, Nextel, etc, how does everyone like their service?