If the drop in cost of traditional long distance calls and the reported erosion of revenue from land line long distance is any indication the cellphone has also became the way of choice for keeping in touch with our whole global village.

Whether our long distance calls consist of the ones we make while traveling or we just want to keep in touch regularly with a loved one, we need to know how reliable our long distance phone service is and what area coverage they provide. There is anecdotal evidence about cell phone dead spots and dropped cell phone calls, and lack of voice clarity especially outside our local calling area.

 All of this has to do with your cellphone provider but much more is involved than just the calls we make.

In an unfamiliar place, often we will need directory assistance.  

There is a charge for the service but we generally do not complain if the service is prompt friendly and helpful. Not all cell phone providers are equal. Check it out.

neighbour how satisfied they are with their long distance phone service. Several VoIP (Voice over internet Protocol) applications are available and the carrot of free long distance to other users is most attractive. If you have ever used computer messaging programs you will have a general idea of what it is like. Wirelessly this is done through a wi-fi enabled device from a wi-fi hotspot. 

As yet in its infancy, like other mobile advances, it may mature over time, but currently it appears to be far too limited and limiting. At some point your call must transfer to the long distance carriers if the one receiving the call is not hooked to their ISP via wi-fi or at their computer. The carriers as of now appear to hold all the aces.

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth."

Robert Southey