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Cellular Phone Service Provider with Free Cell Phone
Wireless terms you need to know to stay ahead in the cellular
game
Cellular vs. Digital
Sometimes called "analog," cellular is an older technology than
digital. If you live in a rural area, or travel often in rural areas,
a cell phone will offer a broader calling area. However, cell
phone quality is not as good as digital. In addition, it is easier
to listen in on a cell phone, while digital phones are almost "tap-proof."
All-In-One Phones
All-In-One phones include voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling,
and Internet access.
Analog Backup
This is phone or a phone service that offers cell phone capability in
the event you are unable to dial into a digital system (not uncommon outside
of major metro areas).
Roaming Charges
Watch out for these. Once you get out of your basic local calling area,
roaming charges can apply and they can be hefty. If you travel or call
outside of the county often, you need to be aware of these often very
costly charges.
Pre-Paid Service Plans
If you don't want to be locked in for a year, then a pre-paid service
plan is the only other option. The prices are more expensive per minute
and you will have to pay for the phone. Remember that you do not get any
free minutes with a pre-paid plan, and minutes expire within 90 days generally,
some plans within 30 days.
Airtime
Whether you're making or receiving a call, Airtime is the time that elapses
from the moment you press SEND to begin your call until you press END
to terminate your call. Billing begins from the time you press SEND and
ends at the time the call is disconnected from the network, but no sooner
than when you press END. Airtime and other measured usage are rounded
up to the next full or whole minute at the end of each call for billing
purposes. Cingular Wireless charges a full minute of airtime for usage
for every fraction of the last minute of airtime used on each wireless
call.
Home Calling Area
In the Home Calling Area, you pay only your local airtime rate plus any
associated long-distance charges, taxes, and fees. This may also be referred
to as "home area," "home coverage area," or "local
calling area."
