Issue 4.12
Many people today are changing the way they use telephones. It is almost a rare thing to find people who have only a land-line telephone and many have opted to completely get rid of their Mountain Bell, Qwest, Century Link phones and accounts. They are choosing cellular phones and/or some type of computer network based phone service. These changes have led to massive innovation and an almost overwhelming number of choices for the consumer.
We will visit about the networked home phone options another time. Suffice it to say (for now) that VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) phone systems have become very reliable and inexpensive, and even the lower quality network phone systems (such as Magic Jack) are improving and becoming a better option than they used to be.
In the cell phone arena, there are two main approaches to getting your business. The first is the pay-as-you-go approach. With these companies, you purchase a phone and then pay in advance for the minutes you are going to use. Companies such as Straight Talk, Virgin, Net 10, Cricket and others provide you with cellular service for prices from 5-20 cents per minute or a certain amount for each day you use the phone. These are especially nice for people who don’t use a cell phone often but want to have it when they travel away from home. Some of these options are also now allowing data (such as internet browsing) for an additional cost if you buy a smart phone.
Smart phones are cell phones with internet ready computers built in. They can browse the internet, download music, books, videos, games and other content. They are usually higher in cost than normal cell phones and are more expensive to repair or replace if damaged or worn out.
The other approach is contracting with a carrier. With this you commit to paying every month for service for a period of time (usually two years). In exchange you get a phone, either free or at a drastically reduced price, that you can use to access the service. The number of companies has dropped in recent years. There are now four major nationwide companies and a number of small localized companies. The four majors are AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Before signing up, be sure you understand your commitment to them, all charges you will pay (including significant taxes) each month and what you will pay if you end the service before the contract is completed. I think it is also a good idea to talk with friends who have had experience with the company you are considering. Some of them are much more customer friendly than others.
Next time we will talk about the different types of phones and data plans. And remember, always back up anything important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.