CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS
SUCH AS SUCH AS ATT WIRELESS, ALLTEL, CINGULAR, NEXTEL, SPRINT, T-MOBILE, VERIZON
Consumer guide to frugal living to long distance phone services
Including telephone, cell phone, telecommunications, telecom, definitions, glossary and how-to information
Original research and information © Copyright Savvy-Discounts.com 2005 except where noted
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Guide To Prepaid Cell Phone Services | Guide To Cell Phone Service Providers TERM: CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDERS EXAMPLES OF SERVICES: ATT Wireless, Alltel, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon DEFINITION: Long distance providers of cell phone service. These services permit a consumer to use a wireless mobile telephone within a defined local area or throughout the country. The consumer must usually choose a cell phone plan with the provider which sets a maximum number of minutes each month for cell phone use and that either restricts or allows use outside the local area. NOTE: There is considerable variation in the different cell phone plans. For example, calling locally or calling long distance can cost the same such as 'anywhere' minutes or be at different rates. On peak and off peak minutes (daytime vs. nighttime and weekends) may have different rates. Minutes may expire at the end of a month or rollover. HOW TO CALL: Typically you dial the number and press send. It is also a good idea with some cell phone services to press end at the conclusion of a call. Even though the other person at the end of the line has hung up, pressing end terminates all charges at your side of the call. COST: Until you go over the maximum number of minutes set by your plan, the cost will be a flat amount each month. Once you go beyond those limits overage charges for extra minutes can apply and roaming charges for making calls outside your local area can apply. Numerous taxes, charges and surcharges may also be added. Many plans have an initial activation fee and a stiff charge for terminating a contract before the time is up. BILLING/PAYMENT: With most traditional plans the customer is billed at the end of a month for all charges. COMMENTS: In a traditional plan the consumer can go over the maximum number of minutes set forth in the cell phone providers plan; however, overage charges are then imposed. Overage charges can be quite expensive such as 40 cents a minute. The customer can also use his or her cell phone beyond the local area; however, roaming charges, which can be quite expensive such as 69 cents a minute, are generally charged when a consumer with a local plan uses his or her phone outside the designated local area. Many cell phone users have been surprised by exceptionally high bills when they unknowingly went over their allotted minutes or were billed for roaming charges. This is one of the main reasons why cell phone use can cost much more than a consumer realizes or intended to pay. OTHER LINKS AT THIS SITE: === Cost comparison of cell phone rates, costs with a prepaid portable long distance service === Cell phone backup, prevent data loss, restore address book, prevent overage and roaming charges === Product page - discount prepaid cell phone; no credit check, no annual contracts, no activation fees, no monthly bills, no age limits |