Saw a commercial where AT&T tried to debate the whole Verizon map thing, but they kept talking about their coverage, not their 3G coverage, which is what Verizon has been touting. For normal phones and normal coverage, they're probably about even so if you're not using 3G services, just go with the better price.
Verizon Wireless is definitely not the cheapest, but it is the best coverage overall. Honestly though, you can get a damn Cricket phone and as long as you don't travel outside of their main operating area, you would be fine. If your friend travels, get Verizon Wireless because it'll help pay my [ridiculous] bonus. If not, look at local outfits like Cricket or Metro PCS.