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 |
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"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>>
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- '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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