Do anytime minutes apply to long distance calls?
In most cases, anytime minutes only apply to calls in your local coverage area.

What if I want to change my contract?
If you make any change in your plan during the first 6 months with most carriers, there is no change in contract. If you make a change in the contract after 6 months, they will add more months to the contract.

When will roaming charges show up on my bill?
If you use minutes while roaming on another carrier's network, there may be a delay in reporting. The roaming minutes will apply against your monthly airtime allowance in the month they appear on your bill. This may take up to 45 days. You may be charged for incomplete calls. The taxes and fees are assessed by the carrier in the market where you roamed.

What about airtime for mobile-to-mobile to calls?
Unless you have a plan with unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls, the airtime will be charged to both parties. Even if you have an unlimited plan, you might be charged minutes if you are out of your home calling area.

What are the billing increments?
Billing is in full minute increments. If your call is 2 minutes and 1 second long, you will be billed for 3 minutes.

When does the call begin and end?
The call begins when you press send, not when the call is answered. It ends when you press the end button.

When will I be charged for long distance?
You will be charged for long distance when you dial outside of your local service area. You are also subject to long distance charges while roaming. In some areas, you may pay roaming charges even if you have a nationwide plan.

What is the difference between national and network coverage?
National coverage covers all 50 states. The larger the geographic area, the higher the rate. However, this could save money over the per minute/roaming charges. In some areas, you may pay roaming charges even if you have a nationwide plan. Make sure nationwide vs. network coverage is clear in your contract. Network coverage covers only where the carrier has its own locations.

Will I be charged for incoming calls?
Yes. Incoming calls are charged against your airtime. You will be billed both for calls that you make and calls that you receive. Charges will be billed according to the airtime rates in your monthly service plan or, if you're roaming, at applicable roaming rates.

What is PCS?
Personal Communication Services. It uses a different radio frequency than cellular plans. Uses digital technology for transmission and reception. Offers advanced features like call waiting and call ID.

What is the difference in a lithiom ion battery and a nickel metal hydride battery?
The lithium battery is the most expensive with the longest talk and standby times. The nickel battery is cheaper. It provides 2-5 hours of talk time and 24-48 hours of standby time.

Can I use my phone when traveling outside the U.S.?
In some cases yes, but it takes some preparation. You phone must use the network of the country where you are traveling. In Europe this is the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Contact your provider about additional arrangements needed to use your phone in another country.

Which phone will be best?
Start with your budget. There are usually rebates and promotions that result in a free basic phone with service. You can pay much more for a phone loaded with features. Features to consider: weight, size, if you can read the numbers on the screen, paging service, two-way radio service, customized ring tones.

Should I use a pre-paid service?
If you have the discipline to use your phone only for emergencies, then this is your best option for saving money. Keep in mind that the high rates, fees and roaming charges can quickly use up your minutes. Your pre-paid minutes also expire. Carriers do not obtain credit history for pre-paid subscribers.

Will my bad credit affect my cellular application?
The carrier will investigate your credit history and report your performance to credit agencies. You may be required to pay a security deposit. If your score is really low, consider a pre-paid plan.

What do I do with my old handset/phone?
Do not throw it away. Donate it to a charity. Shelters that assist victims of domestic violence currently need cell phones. Here is a website with donation information: http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm

What is Local Number Portability?
Currently if you switch service, you must drop your current number and get a new phone number. This is a major inconvenience, preventing many people from switching carriers. Barring any major obstacles or challenges, local number portability should be available for wireless carriers in the top 100 markets starting November 4, 2003. This carries out the FCC mandated first proposed in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. It was supposed to be implemented by June of 1999, but it has been given 2 extensions. The second expires in November 2003.

The delay is a result of the cellular carrier fight against number portability. They argue that the service will be a financial and logistical nightmare. They also claim the resources needed for number portability will take away from expanding network quality and initiating new products.

Number portability is expected to create a rush of activity. Estimates predict that up to 1/3 of wireless customers will switch to another carrier. The portability will be local. If you move into another wireless area, you will not be able to keep your number.

Local Number Portability will force many cell phones into retirement as they are replaced with new phones. Instead of tossing out the handset, donate it to a charity that assists victims of domestic violence. Here is a website with donation information: http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm