Verizon Wireless

CNET editors' take

Editor's note: Because evaluating wireless coverage requires experience with the network in a wide variety of physical locations, CNET does not rate wireless carriers. We can, however, tell you everything you need to know about the major carriers. We invite your feedback and ratings in our User opinions section--the more input we get from around the U.S., the better our users can evaluate coverage at a national level.

Verizon Wireless is the biggest CDMA carrier in the United States. It was one of the first to offer a 3G network, and it launched the first mobile TV network for a carrier. A joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone, Verizon Wireless was formed in 2000 through a merger between GTE Wireless and Bell Atlantic; Verizon is the second-largest U.S. carrier after AT&T. Although its phone lineup was once limited and somewhat ordinary, in the past two years it has grown rapidly to include several popular, high-end handsets.

Things you should know:

• This carrier offers an unlimited calling plan.
• High-speed 3G networks are limited to urban areas.
• Uses BREW instead of Java for games and other applications, which can limit the number of choices available to consumers.
• Uses a standardized--but somewhat poorly received--menu interface across most of its phones.
• Verizon claims it has the most reliable network nationwide, and the network quality has been rated highly in consumer and analyst studies. Tell us what you think in our User opinions section.
• Offers a wide selection of LG phones, including the LG Voyager and LG Chocolate, and is the only major carrier to have offered Kyocera phones. Its smart phone selection is varied and includes Treos and BlackBerrys.
• As a CDMA carrier, Verizon's international coverage is limited to a handful of countries but it offers dual-mode CDMA/GSM handsets.

Fast facts:

• Subscribers: 65.7 million
• Coverage: Verizon Wireless has nationwide coverage with service in every state (though not all services are available in Alaska). Of course, actual reception will vary by location. CDMA international roaming using a Verizon phone is available in 17 countries.
• Technology: CDMA, 1xRTT
• 3G network: Yes, EV-DO
• Streaming video service: Yes, Verizon V Cast and V Cast Mobile TV
• Music download service: Yes, V Cast Wireless Music
• Push-to-talk: Available, depending on phone model
• Analog roaming: Yes
• Prepaid plans: Yes
• Family plans: Yes