Profiles of the providers and more.(CELL PHONES)

Canada has different cell-phone providers than the U.S., but the carrier network technologies (GSM and CDMA) are the same in the two countries, and so are many of the phones for sale.

Here's a rundown of the major carriers in Canada, along with some of the phones they sell that scored well in our Ratings of cell phones (pages 40, 41) and smart phones (page 42). Note that phone performances and features might differ on the Canadian carrier compared with the tests we conducted on U.S. carriers. More details on their offerings are, of course, available at the Web sites we list. To compare phones and plans across carriers, try www.cellphones.ca, which has an interactive tool that you customize to your needs and your location.

Rogers Wireless

www.shoprogers.com

Extensive national coverage, claims to reach 94 percent of the Canadian population. Uses the GSM network. As a major provider of other telecom services, too, Rogers also offers bundling of wireless with cable TV, home landline phone, Internet, or Internet phone services; discounts are progressive--5 percent of the combined bill for two services, 10 percent for three, and 15 percent for four. My Home Circle feature allows subscribers to Family or Couples wireless plans to make and receive calls between Rogers' cell and home numbers without incurring airtime charges.

PHONES OFFERED

Here are some high-scoring models that are offered by Rogers, with the price for a two-year contract. Key numbers in parentheses are to help in locating the phones in the Ratings, on pages 40 and 41 for cell phones and page 42 for smart phones.