[Grant]

...Dont.

the GSM coverage in the Lakes Region is esentially non-existent. Unless they've built out the network since last fall, here's a thumbnail summary of GSM coverage in the area:

Approaching from the south: You get decent GSM signals up through Concord, but service peters out as you approach and pass Epsom circle area. By the time you reach Alton circle, it's gone. Zilch. The entire eastern side of the Lake has zero GSM service.

North: You can pick up a little bit of the western side's signal around Center Harbor and Meredith.

West: The "tongue" of GSM service in New Hampshire extends up to the Laconia/Gilford area, where reception can be good, but is certainly not widespread. (On a nice clear day last spring, just north of Wolfeboro, standing on the shore of the Lake, I picked up a very weak signal, but it was not sufficient to allow me to make a call...must've been from the western side of the Lake.)

Bottom line -- Until they expand GSM coverage east of Gilford/Laconia, it is not a useful alternative in the region. I had good old CDMA/TDMA service for years and it worked well throughout the region. Switched to GSM as they built out the network, and was pleased -- until I got to the Lake. The merger with AT&T did not help the situation, either. GSM coverage is great elsewhere -- and I've used it from Virginia to Concord with no issues -- the network is large and robust. But the coverage in NH, quite frankly, rots. It's a disgrace if Cingular is even selling GSM in New Hampshire.