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:: HOME :: CREDIT CARDS :: LONG DISTANCE :: INTERNET SERVICE :: LOANS :: CELL PHONES · Main Page · Sort by Carrier · Cell Phone Specials · Plans for Business · Prepaid Specials · Sort by Phone · Tips & Advice - New! · Cellular Buying Guide · Cell Phone Reviews · Cellular FAQ · Cellular Glossary · Info & Resources :: INSURANCE :: ONLINE BANKING :: KNOWLEDGE :: MORE |
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Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about cell phones and wireless plans. See also: Cell Phone Tips & Advice
 Question ListI have some questions about switching my carrier and keeping my number (number portability). Where can I find information on this topic? Please visit our Number Portability FAQ for more information on this topic. ^ Back to the Question List I see all of these so-called deals out there that include a free cell phone - what's the catch? Most deals that include a free cell phone (or cell phones) require that you sign a one-year or two-year contract to stay with a specific wireless carrier. If you cancel or change service before this agreed-upon contract is up, you face an early cancellation fee. The amount of this early cancellation fee varies widely with different carriers and plans. Also, some of these free cell phone deals are, in fact, rebate offers. In these cases, the consumer actually pays for the cell phone when signing up and then is required to mail in rebate forms, proof of purchase, etc. in order to be reimbursed. So, as long as he/she mails in the required information in a timely fashion, the cell phone will be free. Not all free cell phone deals are rebate offers, though. Some deals actually do include a cell phone at no cost when signing up. So, there is no real "catch" with this type of deal, as long as you honor the terms of your contract (usually 12 or 24 months). Before signing up with a carrier, be sure to check the length of the contract and what kind of cancellation fee you would incur if you had to cancel service before the end of the agreed-upon contract for whatever reason. If you are not currently under contract with a carrier and/or are in need of a new cell phone, there is no reason not to take advantage of a free cell phone offer. The wireless carriers are in a heated competition for your business, and they're often willing to offer up a free phone or two if you'll sign on with them as a paying customer. ^ Back to the Question List What is roaming? Roaming is the act of using a wireless phone outside of its specified home coverage area. Regional roaming refers to calls made outside of the local calling area but (usually) within the same state. National roaming refers to calls made outside of the home state calling area. Unless otherwise specified, roaming usually carries an additional charge. For example, if you live in City A but travel many miles to City B and use your phone, that is considered roaming. You may be charged extra for any calls initiated in City B or received outside of your home calling area of City A. Be sure to understand how roaming will be dealt with before signing up for a specific cellular plan, especially if you travel frequently. Many carriers now offer free roaming with certain wireless plans. ^ Back to the Question List What is a family plan? A family (or shared) plan is a group plan that is offered by many wireless carriers to families (or groups) that need to utilize more than one cell phone. With most family share plans, all cell phones on the plan share the same minutes each month. Multiple lines are all included in one account. Most wireless carriers allow up to five lines per account for qualifying customers. If chosen wisely, this type of plan can be a cost-effective alternative to managing and paying for multiple cellular plans with different carriers and terms. ^ Back to the Question List What are "anytime" minutes? "Anytime" minutes, also known as "any time" minutes and "whenever" minutes, are minutes in a specific calling plan that can be used at any time on any day of the week. These type of minutes can be used at both peak times and off-peak times. If a user exceeds this specified number, he/she is usually charged for these additional minutes at another (usually higher) rate. Peak: The time of day (usually a block of hours), which varies among different wireless carriers, when communications traffic is higher than normal. Off Peak: The time of day (usually a block of hours), which varies among different wireless carriers, when communications traffic is lower than normal. ^ Back to the Question List What is an activation fee? This is a one-time charge for the activation of a cellular phone and plan. Activation is the act of programming a wireless phone, allowing it to be active on the wireless network and giving it the ability to make and receive calls. Most carriers charge this fee, although the amount often varies. It is usually between $20 and $50 and will show up on your first monthly bill. ^ Back to the Question List What is prepaid cellular service? A prepaid plan is a type of plan offered by some wireless carriers that allows users to pay in advance for wireless service. This type of plan differs from traditional, monthly-billed plans and is not offered by all wireless carriers. Prepaid service allows a user to buy minutes in advance. When minutes run out, the user must purchase more minutes to resume service. This eliminates the effect of overage charges. This type of plan can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional plans and is great for those who need to budget their cellular usage. ^ Back to the Question List What is a hands free kit? A hands free kit contains items that allow a caller to talk on the phone without physically holding the handset. There are different types of hands free kits, including speakerphone/mounted styles and portable head-set styles. ^ Back to the Question List
:: More Wireless Frequently Asked Questions :: Compare the Latest Cell Phone Deals Now
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