When I'm looking at smart phones, my preference is a touch screen. But I know how many people love the Blackberry and the ability in general to have a keyboard.

So I'm glad that Global Mobile 1 is launching with the Blackberry 8830 at a very competitive price of $149.99.

The advantage of this phone is that, even as a CDMA phone, it has the ability to roam the world on the GSM network. So if you want the stability of data coverage that Verizon offers (which is how you make CDMA calls through Global Mobile 1) in the U.S., but the ability to head overseas and still use your phone, this is a great solution.

On the CDMA side of the equation, the most expensive phone I see Global Mobile 1 launching with is the HTC Touch 6900 -- priced at around $299 elsewhere, and currently listed at $229 on Global Mobile 1.

This phone doesn't come with glowing reviews, so I'm looking forward to some of the upcoming smart phones they make available, since most of their phones indeed look like bargains for unlocked rates!

Either way, the phone plans themselves are a huge savings over traditional cellular and, unlike some of the competition, come with no contract.

For those preferring a simpler phone over smart phones, the first non-smart phone Global Mobile 1 is carrying on the GSM side is the Samsung A227. It's not one I would recommend though -- not only does it have sub-par reviews, but you can get it more cheaply elsewhere. So if you were determined to get this phone, I would look to eBay.

But I'd still bring it over to Global Mobile 1 for huge savings on the actual cell phone plan.

While I understand that Global Mobile 1 will carry loads of phones very soon, they have initially launched with a small selection of phones with excellent prices to have something for those needing a phone. (You can bring your own phone to the service if you already have one -- an unlocked GSM or CDMA phone.)

Their nicest unlocked GSM phone so far is the HTC P4351. This phone normally retails at the moment for $299, and as of today is listed for $199 through Global Mobile 1.

This is of course not the latest in cell phone technology, but it is a touch-screen HTC with slide-out keyboard and Windows Mobile 6 Professional. I'm looking forward to some of their upcoming releases as well.

Once again, Global Verge has come through on its promise, this time making both GSM and CDMA cell phones available for its Global Mobile 1 service at well below typical retail costs.

From this point on, it would be a mistake to buy an unlocked cell phone anywhere else before checking, because we can sell the phones without the Global Mobile 1 service if you just want a super-low cost on a phone.

Of course we can't beat the prices that come with 2 year contracts elsewhere, but you know that's a deception -- you make up for it with the cost and duration of service.

With Global Mobile 1, you can get unlimited talk for $39.99 a month, and unlimited everything for $79.99 a month. Compare that to Verizon, for instance, where unlimited everything, after taxes and fees, is more than $150/month. Save $70 a month with Global Mobile 1 and you've saved $1680 over the course of two years.

I'll start posting blogs with phones and prices as I do some research and price shopping online, so you know where you can get some great deals through Global Mobile 1.

Drum roll please. I think someone deserves it. Maybe just all the reps for waiting so long. Maybe for the Global Verge diligence to put out a mobile phone plan after so long.

But finally, finally, Global Verge has launched their mobile VoIP service. Mostly. The service is available. The phones aren't as I write this, though if plans come through as they're meant to, lots and lots of phones should be available this month.

The service looks very good -- no fees on top of their listed prices and no contracts. One of the main competitors can't say that. And plans that start at just $39.99 that give you unlimited minutes anywhere you have data coverage, which includes your home if you have WiFi.

And with mobile VoIP, you get low-cost international rates as well.

I especially like that we can serve people who already have CDMA or SIM phones. Either one is an option. Global Verge is the only one doing that right now.

There's plenty more to say, and I'll add to hear on a regular basis, especially once phones are available and I can comment on what I'm finding. My understanding is that we'll have prices you probably can't find anywhere else.