I’m asked all the time, “Who should I go with for a cell phone provider?”  And I’m always a little evasive about the question.

The big National Carriers are of course AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, and Alltel.  There are also regional carriers like US Cellular, Cricket, and Metro PCS.  All of these companies seem like they’ll be around for some time to come.  Worst case scenario, some may buy the others (still waiting for that).

What readers can take away from the list above is that these guys should be around a while in one incarnation or another.  I’d recommend picking from the group above, and steering away from the regional or city wide carriers.  You’re reading this site because you’re interested in being highly mobile.  With that in mind, stick to the nationals.

All of this came up this morning after reading an article at Gizmodo. It seems Amp’d mobile is going under.  I’d wondered when this would happen.  I’m sure Boost will be close behind as well.  The business models for these companies seemed a little flakey at best.

So, for your security, communications needs, etc., my best recommendation regarding wireless carriers is to stick with the national guys.  I’ve personally been using Verizon Wireless for years now, and I’ve been very satisfied with my service over the course of my last year of Digital RVing.