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The Purchase Transaction »
Cell Phone Buying Guide
Introduction
Key Points
The Purchase Transaction
Finding the Best Service
Coverage Area and Reception
» Trial Period
» Signal Strength
Selecting a Cell Phone
» Technology Limitations
» Cell Phone Features
» Rebate Offers
Choosing a Rate Plan
» Rate Plan Types
• Family Plans
• Pay-As-You-Go
» Calling Area
» Anytime Minutes
» Free Plan Benefits
» Long Distance
» Roaming
» Other Voice Features
» Data Services
• Messaging
• Other Data Features
» Other Rate Plan Costs
» Contract Length
• Ending a Contract Early
Phone Insurance & Warranty
Wireless Network Technology
Accessibility & Usability
Cell Phones & Children
Using Your Phone Overseas
Replacement Phones
Disposing of a Phone
Cutting the Cord
Number Portability
Appendix: Industry Economics

Key Buying Points Checklist






"I wish I knew that before I signed up"







  • A carrier's rate plans don't vary by where you buy; phone prices can (and do) vary widely. Go>>
  • Finding the best wireless service is done by optimizing three things: Coverage, phone, and plan. Go>>
  • Coverage maps don't tell the whole story. Go>>
  • All national carriers offer a minimum two-week trial period for you to test their service. Go>>
  • A more expensive phone doesn't necessarily mean better reception. Go>>
  • Phone choice is limited both by a carrier's network technology and wireless industry economics.Go>>
  • When buying a cell phone, look at theout-the-door price, as well as the final price (after rebates).Go>>
  • To save money, consider a family plan for two to five members of a household. Go>>
  • For light or emergency-only users, prepaid may save money - but watch those expiration dates. Go>>
  • Choose a plan with more airtime than you will need; extra minutes can quickly double your bill. Go>>
  • Plan benefits can significantly reduce the anytime minutes you will need. Go>>
  • 'Free' long distance can, in some cases, actually be quite expensive. Go>>
  • Buy bundled packages if you plan to use any significant amount of data services with your phone. Go>>
  • Taxes are unavoidable, but can usually be minimized just by staying with the right rate plan. Go>>
  • Unless you go prepaid, it is getting harder to avoid a two-year contract. Go>>
  • Cell phone insurance might be a good idea, but there are many factors to consider. Go>>
  • Need a phone that will also work outside the U.S? It is a balance of convenience and cost. Go>>
  • Advertised deals are only for new lines of service, not for phone upgrades or replacements. Go>>
  • Your old cell phone may have some value. Go>>
  • Lots of people are 'cutting the cord' and going totally wireless. It isn't right for everyone. Go>>
  • If transferring (porting) your phone number, sign up for new service before canceling the old. Go>>

 

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