People have all kinds of goals when they decide to go to
"wireless" phone service. Some mostly want peace of mind
in case of an emergency and only plan to make a few cell
phone calls. Others want convenience and portability and
intend to make a lot of calls. Some people want to make
their long distance calls by cell phone, and some may even
want to phase out their land-line service. That's the point:
To choose the right wireless service you need to determine
your calling plans and then shop carefully.
Here are some basic tips for choosing a wireless phone service:
Study which service best fits your calling needs. You may be able to choose from local, regional, or national
plans, family plans for two or more phones, and pre-paid "pay-as-you-go" plans. Consider which plan is best for the time and
number of calls you will make, and be sure the minutes are available when you expect to make and receive calls. In most
plans, you pay a hefty charge for minutes that exceed your plan. Study the details. Many plans offer far more minutes for
"weekend" or "nighttime" calls, but "weekend" may not include Friday, and "night" may not begin until 9 p.m.
Remember: Don't just shop for the cell-phone itself - shop
for the best service plan and the most reliable
provider.
Determine the home calling area and any "roaming charges." Outside
the home area, the phone may not work, or you may incur
costly roaming charges.
Check for complaints about providers. Call the Attorney
General's Office or Better Business Bureau, and ask your
friends and neighbors about their experience.
Check if there are "break fees" should you want to cancel your plan.
Study the contract. Once you sign it is unlikely you will
be able to cancel without a "break fee."
Go to the Internet for much more information.
The Internet is a great source for information -- "how-to-shop"
tips in much greater detail, information from wireless providers
themselves, and independent web sites that evaluate different
services. For links, see below.
For more information or to file a complaint, contact
the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, Des
Moines, Iowa 50319. Call 515-281-5926.
More Sources on Choosing Cell Phone Plans Suggested
by the Office of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller:
1. Federal
Communications Commission (PDF file)
2. Consumer
Reports
3.
Telecommunications
and Research Center
4. Better
Business Bureau
5. AARP
