From what I can tell while in Canada (where I use my phone 99% of the time anyway) Verizon is using either Telus or Bell network. I am in Quebec I went to remote areas... even in Banff everywhere it worked within the same agreement. So don't worry about it you can use it just fine everywhere.

There is one way of telling when you will be charged... as I asked of course :) On the phone display next to the Signal strength bar there is a Triangle that comes on and off, blinks how should I say it. As long as it is "blinking" you are on extended network but no extra charges apply so it is not Fully roaming. When that triangle is solid then you're in trouble and you'll pay. But like I said nowhere in Canada where I've been I did not have this problem and I went from East cost (tadoussac in Qc to Jasper and Banff and was speaking on this phone).

AT&T and Cingular used to offer the best Canada plan of all, called the North America Plan. For $9.95/mo, this plan added extended free long distance to all of Canada, roaming within Canada w/o any surcharges, free nights/weekends, etc. Basically extended one's US plan into Canada. Cingular discontinued the plan in 2005 due to abuse by Mexican customers, but I still have the plan on my AT&T phone.

I called Verizon and they confirmed that there is no roaming charges or long distance. I am confused as to whether there are text message charges. I called three times and three people said three different answers. One lady said regardless of a text messaging plan you get charged 50c to send, 20c to receive any texts. Another guy said that everything is covered whether you are in Canada or the States. And a third person said 20 cents to receive, 25c to send regardless of messaging plan or location (States vs. Canada). I am very confused. If someone could please clarify it would be greatly appreciated.