Cell Phone Plans ?

Edwards Finance > Phones

Q. I'm interested in purchasing a cell phone as my primary home phone and for use when I travel, as I always to due to the nature of my job. I need some advice on services, what to look for, etc. I don't want roaming fees, an expensive phone and plan, and I must have the ability to call anywhere from anywhere in America at anytime without being disconnected. I've been looking at Verizon Wireless' National SingleRate(http://www.verizonwireless.com/ics/plsql/plan_detail.intro?p_name =NAT) plan along with the $19.99 Motorola phone (http://www.verizonwireless.com/ics/plsql/pf_start.intro?p_section=EQU... ) and have been impressed so far, but I'm still a bit confused with all of the different plans these wireless companies are offering. So, help me out here.

A. Verizon has the highest marks in terms of customer satisfaction of any of the cell phone companies, but its worth noting that cell phone customers as a species are not especially impressed with any company according to consumer surveys. Look for a phone that is an older design, especially one that is about to be discontinued, they sell way cheaper that way, the new designs are always way too expensive. Avoid long-term contracts, if you move or move your job to someplace with poor service you're stuck if you signed a contract. Many plans allow you to add-on services like text messaging or digital photography or similar foolishness later, that's a plus. Me, I just want a damn phone that has service in every major city and roaming agreements outside of the carrier's service area, no bells and whistles needed. My feeling is that if your're paying more than thirty bucks a month you're being ripped off unless you make a ton of calls and actually use the goofy extras. I have been very satisfied with Verizon. Also, they're in the midst of unveiling their own push-to-talk Nextel-like service. They're also pretty good about phones, too. They'll warranty them for a year, and they'll give you $100 credit towards a new phone every two years. I've also never had a problem with their coverage, even when I travel on business. L.A., Chicago, Milwaukee, Atlanta, all treated as local areas. I've had Sprint PCS service for years and have been very impressed recently with their service. It works flawlessly in and around every actual city and along all major highways (except in the vast emptiness of the Dakotas). $35 a month gets you 300 anytime minutes, unlimited night and weekend minutes, and all the normal voicemail features. Sprint never charges you roaming (unless you go somewhere where there's only analog service.. which is rare). You don't need to get one of their phones from the store or the website... if you want a cheap phone go to eBay and get a Samsung SPH-N200 phone (great basic little phone.. sold for $200 about two years ago) for super cheap. I have one whose speaker doesn't work.. you're welcome to have it for free with all the accessories if you think you can fix it. If you're a webhead like me, you'll want a PCS Vision pack and a color PCS vision phone. I have the Sanyo SCP-8100 (the picture phone) and it kicks ass. For another $15 a month you get *unlimited* web usage (it doesn't use your normal minutes!), the ability to take and send pictures, download games, etc. Very cool, I use it a lot. I also have the cable to connect the phone to my laptop and use it to get unlimited broadband on my laptop anywhere I go. As for service, Sprint kicks ass. Verizon wireless coverage surprisingly spotty and the service itself never quite works right. I think a lot of people are just used to their wireless service just not working perfectly all the time... I've been spoiled with Sprint. It always works, everywhere I expect it to, with no problems, no static, and no dropped calls. My friends with Verizon always have a complaint or two.

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