As a current user and a former employee of a telecommunications company that sold various cellular services I think I can add a bit of input.

>1. What should I look out for in a contract to avoid nasty hidden costs?
Watch for a grace period of 14-30 days in order for you to try the service without having to pay a contract termination fee. Be aware of how much the term fee is. Also, some companies will waive the activation fee if you sign a two-year contract – not a big incentive for me. Also, make sure you can move to a different plan (higher or lower minutes) at any time with in your contract. Plans seem to get better every year.

>2. I've seen a few programs at around $20/mo with 1hr peak and 10hrs 'weekend' are there better prices?
>3. Am looking for free long distance. Am seeing with areas that have 'digital roaming'. Is this common practice?
>6. Is voicemail standard on these basic programs?
For around 10-15 dollars more, you can get about 300-400 weekday minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, no roaming, and free long distance. Verizon and AT&T offer these plans (I don't know about the others). Voicemail is usually standard with these plans.

>4. What providers have you been happy or unhappy with?
Verizon and AT&T have the best coverage. Several years ago AT&T had oversold their system and people used to complain of dropped calls. I don't know how it is now. If you travel, avoid digital-only services like Sprint, Cingular, T-Mobil, and Nextel. Most of these companies only service metro areas and do not cover the rural areas. I carry Verizon and have never had a problem.

>5. What 'hardware' ie phones are good basic instruments?
This really depends on who the service provider is. Nokia works great on AT&T but they have had a hard time making phones that work well on the Verizon system. Motorola is now hit and miss. I have been looking at getting a new phone and was told that the new Motorola T720 (and comparable) are dogs. The v60 was a good phone if you can find one. Avoid the cheap Motorolas. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything other than Motorola. The other advantage to getting a Motorola or Nokia is that accessories are easier to get. On that note, ONLY BUY THE OEM ACCESOERIES. Do not buy aftermarket accessories like car chargers. Make sure it was made by Nokia or Mototrola. You'll pay more, but believe me, it's worth it.

>8. Is there a good website offering information or service?
Go straight to the providers. Verizonwireless.com, attwireless.com etc. Check the plans, phones, and coverage maps. Also, once you have decided on a service, I would recommend buying from the providers instead of an authorized seller (one that can sell various different services). A multi-brand seller may entice you to purchase a higher commissioned service or plan.


posted by 67.41.34...

• cell phones, questions from a wannabe user (I think)., EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:20:48
  • Re: cell phones, questions from a wannabe user (I think)., LAGene, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 11:42:10
    • thx for the website. Located in Toledo, OH., EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 13:37:13
  • How do you commute to work?, Pete Saab 9-5, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 11:23:58
  • Hey you techno-experts, another cell phone question, AnnieG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:46:43
    • there are many factors ...., Trev, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 11:27:53
  • Thanks to all!! Think I'm going to check prepaid., EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:33:52
    • Warehouse stores nearby?, phred, Tue, 29 Jul 2003 14:18:55
    • Re: Thanks to all!! Think I'm going to check prepaid., Spiros Trianta, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 18:56:59
      • Yeah, starting to think about dropping the bucks and, EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 23:07:50
    • I used to have Tracfone, Rod M, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 12:35:57
    • The problem with that is..., Richard P., Mon, 28 Jul 2003 12:31:51
  • Consumer Reports, phred, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:32:16
    • On my way to the Library! thx. n/m, EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:35:49
  • Thought about pre-paying?, AnnieG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:23:40
    • You're reading my mind. See above. n/m, EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:38:19
  • A few suggestions..., CWilson, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 09:26:05 <-- Viewing This Message
    • location is a big factor, where are you located? (n/m), Jason 0W-40, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 13:31:05
    • Did you work for Verizon? Great comments, as with other, EricG, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:45:36
      • Re: Did you work for Verizon? Great comments, as with other, CWilson, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 11:38:02
  • I dont have any real input..., AP, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 08:45:42
  • Re: cell phones, questions from a wannabe user (I think)., MO, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 08:35:29
  • all providers are good (or bad depending on your view), Trev, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 08:25:34
  • Re: cell phones,etc...+++, Noel, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 08:13:34
  • My plan, a few tips and advice....., Richard P., Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:34:30
    • Re: My plan, a few tips and advice....., Spiros Trianta, Tue, 29 Jul 2003 16:30:34
  • Re: cell phones, questions from a wannabe user (I think)., sonett43, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:32:24
    • Re: cell phones, questions from a wannabe user (I think)., henry, Mon, 28 Jul 2003 07:38:56

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