I think it was Symbian-Guru that compared N85 NAM (850mhz, 1900, 2100) to a Euro N85 (900, 1900, 2100) traveling through NYC. He had large areas without 3g coverage on the Euro N85. His conclusion was, don't buy Euro tri band UMTS phones if you want good 3g.
As time progresses I suspect you'll see more and more UMTS rolled out on 850mhz, especially in rural locations. In the city they want it for penetration, and rurally for better coverage distance. So it's very desirable.
In NZ I had 3g coverage from 2100mhz in town, but Vodafone NZ covered all rural locations with 900mhz UMTS. Wife was gloating with her near continuous 3g coverage.
As time progresses I suspect you'll see more and more UMTS rolled out on 850mhz, especially in rural locations. In the city they want it for penetration, and rurally for better coverage distance. So it's very desirable.
In NZ I had 3g coverage from 2100mhz in town, but Vodafone NZ covered all rural locations with 900mhz UMTS. Wife was gloating with her near continuous 3g coverage.