Cellular Phones - Selecting A Phone

Remember when getting a new phone was easy? You picked a color, decided if you wanted to put it on the wall or on the counter, and that was that !!

Hello wireless, goodbye simplicity.
Today's consumers face a dizzying array of wireless choices and new technology. Every day, more than 30,000 new customers sign up for wireless phone service, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. It's a big decision, complicated by emerging technology, glitzy ad campaigns, coverage areas, and personal wireless needs.

Time out! 
Doing your research before selecting a cell phone and wireless service provider can save you hundreds of dollars down the road. 

Digital dominates the wireless market today because of their large network capacity and advanced technology. When calls are transmitted, voices are converted to digital 0s and 1s, then changed back to voices at the receiving end. Unlike with old analog phones, eavesdroppers can't overhear conversations on scanners. Digital Phones include bells and whistles such as paging, e-mail, three-way calling, internet access and text messaging. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you sort it all out.

How do most people purchase cell phones?
Most consumers obtain their cell phones from wireless service providers and retailers at a discounted price when they sign a one-year or longer service contract.

Finding the best combination of cell phone and calling plan requires some work. "Don't get carried away with the phone's nifty features or how small it is or if it matches the color of your eyes," says Dr. John Fike, director of the Center for Telecommunications Technology Management at Texas A & M University in College Station. "Consumers need to find a phone and a service plan that best fits their personal calling patterns."

Major cell phone manufacturers include Audiovox, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung. Wireless service providers include AT&T, Cingular T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless among many others.

What are some questions I should ask before signing up with a wireless carrier?
Ask for a complete rundown of fees, such as for activation, delivery, registration, or cancellation. Be vigilant when examining claims about a carrier's coverage area. If you travel, ask about roaming charges, which is a higher per-minute fee you pay to "roam" outside your coverage area. Roaming fees can take a huge bite out of your monthly bill.

Unlike with home phones, leading wireless phone companies charge from the minute you hit send—not when you say "hello." One industry giant even charges for calls when there's no answer.( It's not Verizon Wireless ) Over time, these charges can inflate your bill, especially if you pay extra fees for peak-hour usage or long-distance roaming. Generally, wireless companies do not charge if there's no answer or a busy signal.

How do I choose the right calling plan?
Find a plan that fits your calling needs. If you need a cell phone to stay in touch with the family while running kids to soccer and football practice, a low-minute plan may fit the bill. But if you're using the phone for business or travel, you'll need more air time and a flat rate that includes long-distance.

If you haven't had a cell phone before, it's hard to know how many minutes you need. Don't worry, though, because some carriers will let you change plans before the end of your contract ( i.e.Verizon Wireless ). Understand that minutes included in your plan are cheaper than "extra" minutes. Most services won't carry over minutes into the next month.

For help in choosing the right Wireless Plan and Digital Phone, look at the calling plans listed on  this website, then stop by one of our store locations to purchase and activate you new Digital Phone. We will be happy to guide you each step of the way.