Todd Allcock wrote:

> Adding GSM would make sense, since that would open them up to T-Mo and
> Cingular roaming, whereas Verizon and Sprint customers with dual-mode
> handsets can already use them as is...

True, but a lot of Sprint and Verizon customers don't have AMPS capable
handsets. Also, the carrier for some of the areas in question in the
Sierras is a CDMA/AMPS carrier (Golden State Cellular) though I guess
nothing would stop them from operating some GSM as well, as some smaller
CDMA/AMPS carriers are doing.

> Agreed- it would be a reasonable use of Universal Service Fund fees
> collected from cellular customers.

It'll have to wait at least until 2008. The FCC chief will have to be
replaced before something like this happens.