Cell phones can be very convenient, but before you sign a contract for wireless
phone service, you will want to ask a number of questions.
Where can you make and receive calls? Most providers now promote
their plans as local, regional or national. A local plan offers a low-cost option
if most of your calls are near home. Regional plans generally offer a much larger
geographic area, sometimes several states. If you call outside the area covered by
these plans, you will pay long distance and roaming charges in addition to the
airtime used. National plans are the most expensive, but they let you use your
phone anywhere in the country for a single per-minute price. Roaming and long
distance charges are replaced by a single, predictable flat rate.
How frequently will you use the phone? If you just want a phone for
emergencies, an economy plan with a few minutes a month might be all that you need.
On the other hand, if you are going to be a heavy user, a plan with several free
hours and the lowest airtime charge is a wiser choice.
Is a family plan option available? Instead of individual cell phone
plans for each member of the family, you can share one cellular service plan among
several phones. Everyone shares the same pool of monthly minutes. The cost of the
additional numbers per month is usually less than if you purchased individual
accounts.
Is the technology digital or analog? Digital service is clearer
and more secure than analog but coverage can be spotty. Analog networks have greater
coverage, especially in rural areas. If you want digital service, make sure your
cellular company has a "roaming" agreement that lets your phone work on an analog
system when you are outside digital range. But beware roaming can be expensive,
and it requires a "dual mode" phone.
Is there a trial period during which you can test the service? Many
people experience dead spots where a cell phone doesn't work. A trial period lets
you test your service in places where you will be using it, for example, in your
office, in all the rooms of your house, in your car, and in other places where you
travel.
Are there any fees or limits on changing your plan? Some providers
charge a fee if you want to downsize or upgrade your plan. Others limit how often
you can make changes.
What happens if you want to cancel your service? Most providers
have a penalty. This is a concern if you have to move out of the area covered by
your plan.
Pay-As-You-Go Plans
If you want cell phone service only for emergencies or aren't sure how much you will
actually use a cell phone once you get it, you may want to consider a prepaid cell
phone before you commit to a long-term wireless contract. With a prepaid cell phone,
there is no contract to sign and no monthly bill to worry about. You will know
exactly how much you spend. The down side of prepaid plans is that you pay more
per minute, and if you don't use the phone for an extended period of time, you
could lose the money in your account.
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