On November 15, changes resulting from the Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless merger were finally put into effect. AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless support the same networks (TDMA and GSM), but a number of changes await their customers. While you can find plenty of answers online, there are still issues that existing and future customers should know.

1. The new deal
We've all seen the commercials boasting Cingular's popular rollover minutes. But they don't tell you that former AT&T Wireless subscribers need to sign up for a new Cingular GSM rate plan to add that feature. At the time of this printing, rollover-minute plans start at $39.99. New plans mean new contracts, so read the fine print before you sign.

That said, however, Cingular will support all existing AT&T Wireless contracts, so customers are not required to sign a new one or to buy a new phone to keep their service. According to Cingular, customers will continue to enjoy the benefits of their current rate plan and features without service interruption, based on the terms of their contracts. And if you're a prepaid customer, your service will still be offered in its current form. The only real difference AT&T Wireless customers will experience on their bills is the addition of the Cingular logo. Over time, the Cingular name will replace AT&T Wireless's.

2. Phones for all
In short, you don't need to buy a new phone to keep your existing service. Your handset will be supported as long as you keep the same rate plan. If you switch to a new Cingular plan, however, you'll probably need to get a new mobile. Also, there's no official word on which phones will make the final Cingular lineup or which features will be available.

3. What's up with roaming?
The AT&T Wireless and Cingular networks are being integrated, but that process could take up to two years to be completed. In the meantime, Cingular will operate separate networks. If you already have a national plan with either carrier, you'll still get free roaming. If you have a regional plan, you'll be able to roam onto either network in your home area. The carrier name that will appear on your handset will be the one that you're currently using.

For all TDMA network users, enjoy it while it lasts. Your service will be supported as long as you have a current service agreement. However, it's no surprise that Cingular will encourage you to upgrade to a GSM/GPRS/EDGE service and handset.

4. A high-speed Cingular nation?
For customers of data services, nothing will change. The good news is that the EDGE networks will be expanding and the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) service that delivers text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at data rates up to 2Mbps is available in six cities: Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. However, there aren't a lot of phones in the United States that currently support UMTS. Recently, the company announced it also plans to roll out a HSDPA (High Speed Download Packet Access) network that delivers data to phones at a rate between 400Kbps and 700Kbps. Additionally, a complete rollout of these networks to other major urban and suburban markets will take the next two years.

5. A little customer support
Though it seems like this deal was never going to close, it finally did, and plans were set in motion quickly. For starters, as of November 15, more than 1,000 AT&T Wireless stores have been converted into Cingular stores. AT&T Wireless customers will now experience Cingular customer support, which includes *Services (Star Services) so that you can check used minutes from your handset and more. The company also added 4,000 temporary customer service representatives to aid with the transition.

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