Newbie Question - What is Roaming?

I seriously thinking about getting a cell phone for the first time.
I've always see something called "roaming charges." What exactly is
roaming?

Thanks!

"Von Fourche" <monaco6178@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%2Wce.3222$GQ5.1748@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>
>
> I seriously thinking about getting a cell phone for the first time.
> I've always see something called "roaming charges." What exactly is
> roaming?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
From : http://www.cellphonecarriers.com/cel...e-roaming.html


"When you signup for cellular phone service, one of the questions you will
be asked is where do you want to use your phone. This is called a "home
service area" or "local coverage area." Both terms basically mean the same
thing: it's the coverage area of the plan you select and of your service
provider. This area is very important to a cellular phone user. If you are
traveling, or outside of your home/local calling area, you will pay "roaming
charges" in addition to using your plan's minutes. These roaming charges are
not included in your plans minutes and can really add up if you aren't
careful and don't know your home calling area. "