Chris -

I am actually headed the opposite direction with you on this. I live in the Peninsula and have had GSM service for the last yr with AT&T (I chose GSM because the phones you can get have been more feature robust than what is available with TDMA/CDMA).

I am so ready to get rid of the service because of daily dropped and missed calls and overall poor satisfaction. There are several dead spots in my area, and reception is only good in certain areas. Everytime I want to make a call or am expecting one, I have to keep an eye on my phone to make sure I have a signal.

If your primary objective with a phone is getting clear reception, you're better off with Verizon.

Eventually, I will consider going back to GSM, but not for at least another year or two.

Hope that helps.