The Ins and Outs of Buying Cellular Service
One would think that purchasing cellular service would be a simple task. In a perfect world, you would visit a service provider, sign a contract, and walk away with a new cell phone. Unfortunately few things in life are that simple. In today’s influx of technology, there are so many types of phones, service plans, and features to consider that it helps to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible before you purchase cellular service.
The Phone
A cell phone is actually a very sophisticated radio. The first cellular phone systems to hit the market were analog phones. These systems expanded the amount of channels used by CB radios by breaking cities up into small “cells” allowing large amounts of callers to talk using the same frequencies and channels.
Digital cell phones are the next phase in cellular technology. While they do use the same radio technology as an analog phone, the similarities end there. Unlike analog signals, digital signals can be compressed and manipulated, fully utilizing the signal between the phone and the cellular network. This means that users have a wider service area, less dropped calls, and clearer conversations.
When you set out to purchase cellular service, it is important to realize that because digital cell phones provide many more advantages, analog phones are becoming obsolete. Analog phones have a shorter battery life, are responsible for more dropped calls, use more power, and aren’t equipped to handle many exciting features like accessing the internet or sending text messages.
The Technology
Digital phones provide much better service and more options for cell phone users. Depending on your needs, you can purchase one of two main types of digital phone service, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).
Choose CDMA if you want longer talk times, fewer dropped calls, and stronger signals. CDMA generally has better reception, better sound quality, and resists fading calls.
If you are a frequent traveler, GSM is the best choice for your needs. GSM is the international cell phone standard used in almost every country, except the United States. The technology behind GSM cell phones make it possible to carry one phone and use it in almost any worldwide location.
Choosing a Plan
Once you have decided on the type of cellular service you require, you will have many cell plan choices before you. Most companies offer a standard plan with varied options free minutes, free nights and weekends, and even extra features such as text messaging and web access.
Before you choose which plan is right for you, consider how often you plan to use the phone and what your purpose is in purchasing it. If you mainly want a phone to take with you in case of emergencies, as you travel back and forth to work, you should pick a plan that has fewer minutes. If you want to use the phone to keep in touch with your child that is away at college, purchase a family plan that gives you two phones and allows those phones to talk to each other for free. If you travel a lot and want to call home, make sure you buy a plan that has a large service area or no roaming charges. If you know you will never use the text message or email features on a phone, don’t pick a plan that includes those features.
If you have bad credit, want to control the amount of money you spend on your plan, or just want a phone for emergencies, consider purchasing a pay as you go plan that allows you to buy minutes as you need them, rather than paying a monthly bill for your plan.
Which Model
Once you have deciphered the stack of cellular plans available and decided which one fits your needs, you will need to choose a cell phone. Many plans offer a standard free phone when you sigh up for service, but you are always welcome to upgrade to a phone that better fits your needs. The style of phone you choose is entirely up to you.
Flip phones open and close by flipping open a cover that reveals the keypad and digital screen. The advantage of a flip phone is that the keypad and screen are protected, but they can be bulkier than other phone styles and often when they are open they are shorter than the phones most people are used to.
Candy bar phones are similar in look and feel to a cordless land line phone. The buttons are exposed, making it possible to accidentally dial the phone when you place it in your pocket or purse. It is easy to find fun covers and face plates to fit on a candy bar phone.
Slider phones are sleek and usually appeal to peoples aesthetic sensibilities. The keypad slides out of the phone revealing all of the extra gadgets hidden within, but some people have trouble working them quickly, which can be a disadvantage if you use the phone a lot. When closed, they are small, making them easy to stash in a pocket, but when opened they are as long as a candy bar phone, making for a comfortable fit.
Which Features
When you choose the style of phone you prefer, you also need to keep in mind all of the features the phone comes with. If you buy a phone that includes features that aren’t available on your service plan, you won’t be able to use those features and you will end up overspending on your phone purchase.
Most phones come with standard features like a calculator, phone directory, and alarm clock. Some even come with some fun extras such as a restaurant tip chart and games. Upgraded phones will come with features that allow you to access your e-mail, receive and send text messages, and even take pictures or videos. There are even phones that allow you to download music, making them function as an iPod.
When it comes to buying cellular service, there are so many plans, phones, and options available that it is important to access your cell phone needs before you make any choices. Once you know exactly what it is you need from a cell phone, you can bet that someone will have a plan that is a perfect match.