1. What's the difference between analog and digital
phones?
Analog phones operate on an older and less effective
technology. This technology doesn't scale well and is more
costly. Analog service is not compatible with numerous new
features. Digital phones are lighter and more compact and
have a longer battery life. When you are inside of a calling
area the quality is better than analog. Digital phones
support new features like caller ID, text messaging or
wireless internet services.
2. What is a Dual Band Phone?
A Dual band phone is a phone that can operate on an
analog and digital service.
3. What type of battery has the longest life?
Lithium-Ion or Li-Ion batteries have the longest life.
They also happen to be the lightest in weight. The two
pluses means there is minus attached, which is price. A li-ion
battery will always be the most expensive type of battery
available.
4. What's the difference between the Stand-by time and
Talk time?
Your phone is in standby mode when your phone is on but
you aren't talking. The power consumption is minimal and the
phone can stay in this mode for a longer period of time.
When you are using the phone you are using talk time. This
consumes battery power at a much quicker rate. Your battery
life will be somewhere between talk time and standby time
5. What is a roaming charge?
A roaming charge is when you make a call from outside of
your calling area. Your calling area is defined by plan
local, regional or national.
6. What are peak and off peak hours?
Peak hours are during the day when the cellular networks
are very busy. These minutes are at premium and your plan
will typically include the smallest amount of these. If you
use more than your allotted peak minutes they will be billed
at a much higher rate than off peak minutes. Off peak is the
exact opposite of peak time. Each cellular provider has
their own definition of off peak.
7. What are anytime minutes?
Anytime minutes are simply put minutes you can use
anytime, peak or off peak. On most plans you will use
anytime minutes first.
8. Do I pay for the call when someone calls me?
Usually yes. You are billed for the airtime when you
receive a call. However some service providers are offering
unlimited in network calls.
9. Should I buy a cell phone or look for a free cellular
phone?
Free phones generally speaking don't have the latest
features, they are anywhere from 6 to 12 months behind.
Also, free cell phones generally come with longer contracts.
But, it is still possible to get a great deal on a free cell
phone.
10. What to do if you want to upgrade/downgrade or cancel
your service plan?
You can usually upgrade to higher plan without any cost.
Some may force you to extend your contract for 1 to 2 years
from that point. Downgrading your plan is often times not an
option and when it is there is usually a penalty or fine.
This article was posted on August 18, 2005
