Cell Phone Purchasing Advice
This page provides basic advice for purchasing a cellular telephone.
Choosing a Cellular Carrier
Because the wireless industry is constantly changing-rate plans change every month, phone models are continually updated-and because users' needs differ, it is impossible to recommend phones or service providers, but we can give some suggestions on how you can make a decision. When comparing cell phone plans, consider the following factors:
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Activation charge: The one-time charge for starting a plan.
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Contract Term: Contracts are usually for one or two years. This often depends on the price and quality of the phone offered as a part of the contract. A better phone deal may require a two-year contract.
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Consequences of changing your rate plan: If you change the rate plan during the contract period, does it change the contract term, extending it another year or two?
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Service Areas: Check a plan's service-area maps. There may be roaming charges outside certain areas. The right cellular vendor for you may depend on where you live-not just what state, but what town. For example, some companies offer better coverage in Boston than in Newton. You may be able to test reception with a trial period that allows you to cancel the service if it doesn't provide reliable service where you need it.
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Cellular number portability: Portability allows you to keep your phone number when you change carriers locally, so even after you purchase a phone you will be able to change carriers to get a better deal after your contract term expires.
Choosing a Cellular Phone
If you have a choice of phones after you've made all your other decisions, here are a few things to consider:
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A retractable antenna often means better reception than one hidden in the phone.
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A loud ring is a good thing, but you will want to be able to turn it off at times. Being able to change from sound to vibration is useful, too.
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Phone keypads range from easy-to-use to not-so-easy.
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The same is true of displays.
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One-touch redial cuts down on frustration.
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Side-mounted volume control is more convenient than volume controlled by the keypad.
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Voice-activated dialing and a headset can keep your hands free.
Other Resources
There has been some discussion of experiences with various carriers on this bulletin board thread. Opinions are those of the poster.
You can compare plans at Get Connected or Telebright.
The Wireless Consumers Alliance may be a resource before and after you choose a plan.
