Cell phones: It's all about the plan

YAKIMA, Wash., Jul 06, 2009 (Yakima Herald-Republic - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- VZ | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- With cell phones capable of doing what most computers do, picking a plan that best suits you can be tough, experts say.

That's why it's important to know exactly what you want your phone to do, says Scott Charleston, a Seattle-based Verizon Wireless public relations manager.

"Every customer is going to be different in terms of what they want and what they need," he says.

And there are so many options available, such as text messaging, sending pictures, Internet access and Global Positioning System, it's easy to buy something you don't need but miss something you want, he says.

"Take your time," he says. "Don't get into a rush, and really evaluate what you want your phone for."

Some users may travel a lot and want a phone and plan equipped with GPS that will not only help them navigate unfamiliar areas, but also reveal points of interest, he says.

"Even the cheapest gas prices," he adds.

Others may want a phone geared to business, and want Internet access and other business-related features such as business-card readers.

"You can take a picture of a business card (with your phone), click a couple of times and the information on the card will be electronically stored in the phone," Charleston says.

Social networking, where users can communicate with others by cell phone over the Internet, is becoming a hot item, said U.S. Cellular Director of Sales Kim Sebastian in Yakima.

"It's just amazing what our phones can do these days -- just about everything a computer can do," she says.

But there are some pitfalls to watch out for, she adds.

Parents often find that their children go over their minute limits on family plans, and there can be a high cost.

Other times children may access the Internet and download items without having a plan to do so in place, which can run up the monthly bill, she says.

Some companies offer limits on what they bill for Internet the first month. U.S. Cellular only charges up to $30 for the service the first month in case of such an issue, she says.

"Usually within that first month, the parent is going to see that and have a conversation with the child," she says.

Roaming should also be considered. Customers who travel a lot may want to purchase a national plan to keep the cost down while they are out of their service area, she says.

Also available are bundles offering certain features that may save customers money by eliminating unwanted options, she says.

"You might just want text message -- you might not want a data package," she says. "You might want to just send picture messages and not text messages."

But if something happens to your phone? You drop it in water or the screen suddenly goes blank?

It's important to find out from the provider who will service your phone and what insurance options are available, she says.

"You want to be able to go into the store you made your purchase and get it taken care of," she says. "You don't want to have to go through multiple handoffs."

To see more of the Yakima Herald-Republic or to subscribe to the newspaper, go
to http://www.yakima-herald.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Yakima Herald-Republic,
Wash. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email
tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax
to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave.,
Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index