I don't know what its like in Michigan or Cali.. but here in Jersey, Verizon and Nextel are really the only two choices. (Sprint, T Mobile, Cingular, AT&T, ect. all have horrible service)

My boss has a Nextel. Here I would have to agree with Cingular Guy- Direct Connect works about 1/2 the time, and calls never seem to go through.. and when they do... they are dropped.

I use Verizon... and even though I can't highly recommend their Push to Talk at this time, their service is exceptional... and I hardly ever drop a call.

My opinion? Go with Verizon.