It's my understanding that Cingular is actually a combination of a few cell phone companies. I know that my provider (Bellsouth DCS) is now called Cingular. I think this helped them gain better national coverage.
But, for other people who don't like or even want Sprint. Here are two new plans that I know of now:
With CINGULAR: For $39 Bux a month, you can get 500 minutes daytime, and unlimited nights and weekends NATIONWIDE. My total is $42, cuz I'm a sucker and wanted voicemail. The included minutes are nationwide also. Only thing that sux, is that they still have roaming a lot of places. So look into this first, but if your always in your coverage area, not bad at all.
Cingular Wireless
With ATT SUNCOM: (Now, I couldn't find this on their site, so it may vary) They have for $45 bux a month, Free nights and weekends nationwide UNLIMITED. I kno for damn sure that their coverage area is a lot better. My friend just got this deal, in my opinion, this would be a better deal. You will have to go in store to check this out.
ATT
I already signed a year with Cingular so I got screwed, oh well.
Just a possible alternative for you Non-Sprint Fans.
KeyserSoze