Most cell phone service providers offer a selection of wireless plans
based around specified numbers of calling time minutes per month.
Some of the minutes are good at any time; others are good only during
off-peak hours such as nights and weekends. If you exceed your
minutes allocation, you will typically be charged a premium of 35 to 50
cents per minute, depending on the calling plan. Look for a plan
that offers rollover minutes from month to month. Most wireless
communication plans require a one-year or two-year service contract, with
monetary penalties for early termination. Many plans also include
long distance coverage and offer substantial discounts on the purchase
of wireless phones.
Speaking of these wireless phones, they aren't just for making phone calls
anymore! Today's cell phones do way more than let you talk.
Most of today's cell phones are equipped with small cameras that allow you
to take pictures, as well as features that allow you to download music and
ring tones. Text messaging has become popular with cell phone users,
and many phones enable you to add photos, video clips, and sounds to your
messages. Some phones offer global positioning services (GPS), while
others allow you to download TV programs and live news feeds. Of
course, many of these features add extra charges to your monthly fees.
With all these options, how do you choose a cell phone service provider?
The first thing you should do is check out the geographic coverage offered
by each provider. Since coverage can vary significantly from
provider to provider, you need to make sure that you will have consistent
and full service in the areas where you need your phone. The best
way to find out about adequate coverage is to talk to others in your area
about what service they use and their level of satisfaction. Most
carriers also list their coverage areas and dead zones on their web sites.
Once you narrow the choice down to a few carriers, find out if their
networks fit your needs. Wireless networks fall into a few basic
categories, and knowing which network your carrier uses will help you
determine things like whether your phone can be used in rural areas or
outside the United States. The digital networks are CDMA (code
division multiple access), GSM (global system for mobile), TDMA (time
division multiple access), and iDEN (integrated digital enhanced
network). TDMA is an older system that is not often used, while iDEN
is used more or less exclusively by Nextel. In most cases, you'll be
choosing between CDMA and GSM. So what's the difference? Some
CDMA phones use analog backup, which allows you to roam in areas where
digital service isn't available. GSM phones, on the other hand,
can be used in other countries outside the USA.
As you narrow down your choices, start comparing prices. A good way
to do this without making lots of phone calls is to visit the individual
carriers' websites. The websites should detail the plans each
carrier offers, as well as any special offers or promotions. If you
don't find a plan that suits your needs on the carrier's web site, it
never hurts to ask them if plans other than those featured are available.
Once you have chosen a service provider and completed your contract, it's
time for the fun part — picking your phone. Many plans offer
a "complimentary" phone that comes with a one-year or two-year contract,
but if you want more features, you can spend $600 or more. So, how
to choose?
First, decide which features you need. Do you travel frequently, and
would a GPS be handy? Do you need the option of using a wireless
headset or a built-in speaker phone? Do you want to be able to take
photographs or download music? Some cell phones have a few of these
features, while others have all of them. In order to pay only for
things you need, decide which features are necessary and which are not.
Once you've picked a phone you think might fit your needs, hold it to make
sure it's comfortable. Are the keys set up so you can comfortably
dial, and will you be able to dial in dim light or darkness? Also
check out the display. While some phone displays are easily seen in
dim light, they are difficult to see in bright light. Make sure you
test your potential phone in both dim and bright lighting situations.
Have you decided that a long-term wireless contract doesn't really fit
your needs? Don't worry, you have options! Prepaid wireless
phone plans are an alternative for those who are averse to long-term
wireless contracts. With these plans, you pay in advance for a
number of airtime minutes that are usable within a specified number
of days. With some of these prepaid plans, you set up an account
with an initial credit card deposit. The account is debited when
calls are made and automatically replenished as needed.
Virgin Mobile is a
pay-as-you-go wireless provider that offers simple refill options and
helpful customer service. However, Virgin uses the Sprint PCS
network, and its service and coverage are not up to Verizon and T-Mobile
standards.
AT&T Wireless, formerly Cingular Wireless, is the
largest wireless company in the United States; it also features the
nation's largest digital voice and data network. www.Wireless.ATT.com
Verizon manages a wireless network that serves millions
of voice and data customers. Verizon generally receives high marks
for customer satisfaction, network coverage, and signal quality.
International travelers should know that Verizon operates on the CDMA
network, which is incompatible with European and Asian GSM networks. VerizonWireless.com
T-Mobile features wireless plans and mobile phones as well
as handhelds, PDAs, and wireless network cards that are compatible
with European and Asian GSM networks. This makes T-Mobile a good
choice for overseas travelers. T-Mobile.com
Sprint, a provider of fully integrated wireless
communications services, offers flexible wireless phone services.
Sprint wireless data services provide broadband-like speed on your
wireless phone, and Sprint Business Wireless features wireless mobile
applications including location-based services and messaging capabilities
for mobile workforces. Sprint.com
Wireless Plans - Guide to Wireless Phone Service Plans
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