Cell Phones

Cell Phone Plans

It seems that everyone has a cell phone.  In fact, according to CNET Technology News, four out of five American teenagers own a cell phone!  Because cell phones are such an integral part of our everyday lives, it is important that we understand our rights and responsibilities when choosing the phone and plan that are right for us.   

Before you Shop

Unfortunately, way too many people choose their plan based on how much they want the accompanying cool phone, and not on how much they can afford.  Before shopping for your plan, and phone, it is important to ask yourself several questions:

• How many minutes a month do you plan to use your phone?
• Will you use your phone in the local area only or also when you travel?
• Will you use your phone on nights and weekends or predominantly during the day?
• Do you need, and can you afford, extra amenities like internet service?
• Does a long-term contract make sense for you?
• How much can you afford to pay for monthly charges, taxes, and fees?
• How much can you afford to pay for the actual phone?
• What plans get the best coverage in the areas that you will need to use?
• What do consumer reviews say about the plans that you are thinking of purchasing?

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Before you Buy

Once you have answered these questions, it is time to go shopping.  Before you sign any contract request information on the following, and always ask for details in writing:

• Activation fees: Will you be charged a fee to initiate service?
• Additional fees: How much can you expect to pay per month in taxes and regulatory cost recovery fees?
• Additional Minute Charges: How much will you be charged for exceeding your plan’s monthly base rate?
• Airtime: Will you be charged for both incoming and outgoing calls?
• Customer Service: Will you be charged for calling customer service from your wireless phone?
• Directory Assistance (e.g. 411): Will you be charged for Directory Assistance services?
• Dropped Calls: Can you receive a credit for dropped calls?
• Long Distance Charges: What long distance areas will be free to call?  How much will you be charged per minutes to call zones or countries outside of your coverage area?
• Minute Increments: Does the carrier bill in whole minute or partial minute increments? When does billing begin?
• Roaming Fees:  Will there be an additional charge for making and receiving calls while outside of your coverage area?
• Text Messaging:  How many texts are included in the plan?  Will you need to purchase text messaging capabilities separately from the calling plan?
• Toll-Free Numbers:  Will you be billed airtime for toll-free calls?
• Trial Period: Is there a trial period?  How long does it last?
• Unanswered Calls:  Will you be charged for unanswered calls?

In addition to offering traditional voice service, many carriers offer additional features or services such as Internet browsing, text messaging, short message service (SMS), or digital photos. If you want these features, it is a good idea to use them during the trial period offered by the carrier. Be sure to ask how billing will apply to the use of these features. For example, you may be charged by the minute for voice calls, but charged by the file size (“kilobyte”) or per message for wireless Internet or text messaging usage.

Another category of minutes is “mobile to mobile.” Make sure you understand what mobile telephone numbers you can call using “mobile to mobile” minutes. In addition, some carriers allow you to roll unused minutes over from month to month. Check with the individual carrier to determine whether it offers either of these options and make sure you understand the parameters.

After choosing the plan that is right for you, be sure to read the calling plan brochure and contract, BEFORE you sign anything.  Make sure any verbal promises are reflected in the contract.  Most plans require a large fee to cancel before the end of the contract so you want to make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into!

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Where to Go for Help

The wireless industry is highly competitive and dynamic. New technologies and services are introduced on a regular basis. If you have questions about your wireless service, or if you have any concerns, please contact your wireless carrier first.

Although the Attorney General’s Office has compiled this, and other, pages dedicated to informing you about your rights and responsibilities when purchasing a cell phone plan, we cannot answer general questions about the services your company offers.  If you've attempted to contact your wireless service provider about a problem and they have been unresponsive, or if you feel that you have been taken advantage of by your provider, you can contact us to file a complaint.  You may also consider contacting the Federal Communication Commission, the government agency responsible for regulating cell phone plans and services.

You may also contact the following agencies for general assistance or further research:

Federal Communications Commission:
1-888-225-5322
http://wireless.fcc.gov/
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/cellular.html

Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA):
www.ctia.org

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