Centennial Wireless
Centennial offers a wide variety of service plans and cell phones in six states and two U.S. territories.
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.
Centennial Wireless serves 1.1 million customers in portions of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Outside of the continental United States, it serves Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The carrier offers traditional monthly plans and a variety of data and messaging plans. Most calling plans include free calls and text messages to other Centennial customers plus free incoming calls while on the carrier's home network. As a GSM carrier it offers a wide variety of cell phones and smartphones, including RIM BlackBerry, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson devices. Also, you can get unique models not offered by the major U.S. carriers. Centennial was founded in 1987.
Things you should know:
• As a GSM carrier, Centennial will offer coverage outside of the United States.
• Though it offers nationwide service with roaming partners, the carrier's native coverage area is limited to six states.
• Centennial offers free texting and free incoming calls to other Centennial customers. Also, incoming calls are free inside the carrier's home network area.
• The company carries mostly Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and RIM BlackBerry devices. Its handset portfolio ranges from simple handsets for making calls to feature-rich smartphones.
• Roaming and long distance charges apply outside the carrier's home network area. Also, off-network text messages may incur additional charges.
• Centennial offers traditional monthly plans, family plans, and prepaid services.
Fast facts:
• Subscribers: 1.1 million
• Coverage: U.S. Cellular's native coverage is portions of six states plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As with all carriers, reception will vary due to location.
• Technology: GSM
• 3G network: Yes (for PC cards)
• Streaming video service: No
• Music download service: No
• Push-to-talk: No
• Analog roaming: No
• Prepay plans: Yes
• Family plans: Yes
Buying choices
for Centennial Wireless from online stores:
Please see CNET's Cell phone plan finder to purchase a phone with Centennial Wireless
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