With cellphones, do your homework before buying

Wed., Sept. 14, 2005

David Uffington King Features Syndicate

Whether you’re buying a cellphone for the first time or you’re in the market because your current contract has expired, there are a number of things to consider to make sure you get the best deal.

• Determine your cellphone needs. Are you going to use the phone only for emergencies? As your main telephone for long-distance calls? As your only telephone?

• Don’t pay for extra services. If you don’t need voice mail or an e-mail connection, don’t pay for a plan that includes those services.

• Ask to see a map of the coverage area to make sure you’ll be able to make calls wherever you are, especially when traveling. What are the roaming charges if you travel?

• Consider the type of phone you need. If you require larger buttons or text, make sure any phone you select has those features.

• What is the length of talk time on one battery charge? Does the phone come with a battery charger for the home or car?

• Ask how long your new number has been out of service. If it’s a matter of weeks, refuse the number. You’ll get phone calls for the previous user of the number, and you’ll pay for those incoming calls.

• What is the per-minute charge if you go over your monthly allotted time? You can run up significant costs if you don’t keep track of your minutes. Make sure the phone allows you to check the minutes used each billing period.

• If the number you dial is busy, are you charged for the call? When you call a number, are you allowed a certain number of rings before charges kick in?

• Is each partial minute of time used rounded up to the next minute, or to the next 15 seconds?

• Read the fine print on the contract and make sure of your obligation. The penalty for breaking a cellphone contract can run to hundreds of dollars.

• Shop the major competitors for the best possible deal; ask about specials.

• Put your new cellphone number on the national Do Not Call list. On the Internet go to www.donotcall.gov or dial 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to put on the list.

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