I am also in SWFL. I live in the Cape and work in NoFo. The switch to the GSM network has been an improvement over the Metro CDMA. I know people with Verizon and they do have good service, but they really are the most expensive. As for the phone itself, the one from them can only be used with Verizon. If you get the unlocked one it is more upfront, but you can switch to any with that network technology. For example, I can use mine with any GSM/LTE network such as Metro, T-Mobile, etc. There is also a CDMA unlocked version, which is what I believe Verizon is, but that one does not offer LTE. Basically, one thing to remember is that if you buy from the service provider, then it is probably locked into only that provider. Buy an unlocked one if you want the flexibility to move, but be careful to get the one with correct system technology.