interesting. i know in california at&t had a joint network with t-mobile using 1900 band but they have transitioned to 850 band and the problem you describe sounds like a problem a friend of mine had with a phone that was only 1900 and it was searching for 850 but roaming off the 1900. california is one of at&t's best markets. i can see the phone maybe not working well in the hotel but no 80 percent of california. did you purchase an at&t sim while you were here or just use your service and roam here?