Anyone know what happens when I leave my "home" GSM area (Minneapolis) and head to another AT&T GSM area?

Will I get charged a roaming rate? The website says there is a .25/minute charge for roaming, but doesn't explain what that is.

I'm so used to the One Rate plan from AT&T that I want to err on the side of caution, rather then run up a huge bill.

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Ok, I'll answer my own question

I finally got a decent answer from AT&T and the word is that roaming charges only apply to using non AT&T GSM/GPRS networks.

Which is great for me as that was what I was used to with their One Rate Plan. I was worried that with the new GSM network, AT&T would resort to trying to squeeze every dime out of their customers.

I was plesantly surprised

Anyway, I hope that North Carolina has some GSM coverage, at least where I am going. I can't even tell where North Carolina is on their great coverage map, let alone distinguish if there is coverage there or not

Stop the presses. We are all used to the old days where you got hit with roaming charges if you went to a different town because another carrier covered that town. Remember that GSM is just in the early stages of growth. Take a look at those maps and there are huge areas not covered. That means that as AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile expand their coverage, you could have a good chance of wandering into another carriers coverage (where AT&T didn't have any) even within the area you live. I don't like this at all, because you don't really have anyway to know it. If I'm paying $99 for a nationwide plan, then there ought to be no way that I'll get a roaming charge in the US.... if I get a signal, it should be included. Now, I asked T-Mobile this question, and they told me that was the way they did it... I'm skeptical though.

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Mike - Been Converged?

I'm a born skeptic and cynic That's why I switched my phone to manual network detection. If I go out of AT&T's network, I don't want my phone to work.

Maybe you should add a how to switch the phone to manual network detection to the FAQ? (Or maybe its there and I missed it )

While I was on the phone with the very helpful rep, I did re-ask the whole GSM buildup question. She stated that AT&T's plans are to have "Full" TDMA coverage overlay of GSM by the first Quarter of 2003. So that's cool, if it happens.

That would be a very good FAQ. I'm working on getting the FAQ to be totally driven from the Boards so anyone can update it. It's a lot of programming to get it to look good on the FAQ page... and maintain some navigation like I have now.

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Mike - Been Converged?

I am happy to post that I experienced 100% service in both Detroit and Greensboro, NC. No roaming charges, no hidden costs...

I was able to surf the web, get email, get sms messages, albiet a bit slower then in my home area, and of course get calls.

Flawless, ironically in an area where AT&T doesn't even advertise coverage.

Also, the advertised coverage is a bare minimum. I've noticed here in the Twin Cities, MN area, that the coverage area extends well beyond the 494-694 loop, and I have to head quite a ways out to lose coverage.

I've been told it will only get better too, but for now, its plenty good for my needs. Except in my basement, which I can barely get signal. Too bad I can't get AT&T to put a repeater on my roof