Consumer's Guide to Cell Phones and Wireless Service Plans

by Syngress

• ISBN13: 9781928994527
• ISBN10: 1928994520
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-01-18
• Publisher: Syngress Media Inc

Summary

Choosing the right mobile phone and service plan can be overwhelming, particularly if you travel abroad - this truly international guide is ideal for the mobile executive Experts estimate that by 2005 there will be over 1.26 billion wireless phone users around the world. (Source: Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association). It's overwhelming to think of the options available to the consumer when it comes to buying mobile phones, phone accessories, and service plans. So many people are confused by the myriad of wireless phone claims, the endless advertised rates and the countless service plans with all their options. The Consumer's Guide to Cell Phones is designed to help consumers choose what program may best suit them. This book helps streamline the wireless-buying process by providing a complete listing of all wireless providers and the details of their plans. International listings cover USA, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. As an example, in Ireland there is coverage of Digiphone and other plans, in Australia of Telstra, in the UK Cellnet, Orange, etc. The companion web site for the book includes a service provider database As the mobile market continues to grow more people are looking to use their phone for fax, e-mail or mobile computing - this book has the answers

Table of Contents

Foreword	xxiii
Part I General Information	1	(54)
How to Choose a Wireless Phone and Service	3	(18)
Introduction	4	(1)
In the Beginning:
An Introduction to Wireless	5	(1)
The Basics	6	(1)
The Digital Age	6	(1)
Getting Started	7	(1)
Assessing Your Coverage Needs	8	(1)
Your Friends Are Your Best Resource	9	(1)
Which Comes First, the Phone or the Service?	9	(2)
What Features Do You Need in a Wireless Phone?	10	(1)
What about the Technical Side of the Phone?	11	(1)
Usage Considerations	11	(2)
Your Day-to-Day Use	12	(1)
The Bottom Line: Understanding Cost	13	(1)
How Much to Spend on the Phone	13	(1)
How Much to Spend on the Rate Plan	14	(1)
Bargain Shopping: Understanding Promotions	14	(1)
Bells and Whistles: Looking at Accessories	15	(1)
Making Sense of It All: The Phone and Plan for Me	16	(1)
Summary	17	(1)
Quick Reference	18	(3)
Analog, Digital---What's the Difference?	21	(10)
Introduction	22	(1)
Evolution of the Wireless Phone	22	(2)
Exploring Analog Technology	24	(2)
Examining Digital Technology	26	(1)
The Pros and Cons of Digital	26	(3)
Advantages of Digital Phones	27	(1)
Disadvantages of Digital Phones	28	(1)
Summary	29	(1)
Quick References	29	(2)
CDMA to TDMA---Digital Terms and Basic Definitions	31	(12)
Introduction	32	(1)
Code Division Multiple Access	33	(2)
Benefits of CDMA	34	(1)
Global Systems for Mobile Communications	35	(2)
Benefits of GSM	35	(1)
Time Division Multiple Access	36	(1)
Benefits of TDMA	37	(1)
Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio	37	(1)
Benefits of ESMR	38	(2)
Service Providers and Technologies	38	(2)
Summary	40	(1)
Quick References	40	(3)
Wireless Data and the Wireless Internet---Do I Need It?	43	(12)
Introduction	44	(1)
What Is the Wireless Internet?	44	(3)
How Does It Work?	44	(3)
What Kind of Phone Do I Need?	47	(2)
What Services Can I Get from the Wireless Carriers?	49	(1)
What Services Can I Get from Third Parties?	50	(1)
Wireless Data and Fax	51	(2)
Summary	53	(1)
Quick References	53	(2)
Part II Equipment	55	(62)
The Components of a Wireless Phone	57	(14)
Introduction	58	(1)
The Basics	58	(4)
Display Screen	59	(1)
Antenna	59	(1)
Menu Selection and Scroll Keys	60	(1)
Other Keys	60	(1)
Battery	61	(1)
Jacks	61	(1)
A Beginner's Guide to Phone Features	62	(5)
Standard Features	62	(3)
Features Requiring Service	65	(1)
Advanced Features Requiring Service	66	(1)
The Cutting Edge	67	(2)
Summary	69	(1)
Quick References	69	(2)
Guide to Wireless Phones	71	(36)
Introduction	72	(1)
Size and Weight	72	(4)
Large Phones	72	(2)
Medium-Sized Phones	74	(1)
Small or Compact Phones	75	(1)
Networks Available	76	(1)
Single Mode	76	(1)
Dual Mode	76	(1)
Tri-Mode	76	(1)
Case Design	77	(1)
Traditional Style	77	(1)
Flip Style	78	(1)
Color	78	(2)
Cost	80	(1)
Talk Time and Standby Time	80	(1)
Popular Wireless Phones	81	(24)
The Ericsson R289LX	82	(1)
The Kyocera QCP-2035	83	(1)
The Kyocera QCP-6035	84	(1)
The Mitsubishi T250	85	(1)
The Motorola i1000plus	86	(1)
The Motorola i2000	87	(1)
The Motorola i550plus	88	(1)
The Motorola i700plus	89	(1)
The Motorola V2397	90	(1)
The Nokia 3360	91	(1)
The Nokia 5165	92	(1)
The Nokia 6160	93	(1)
The Nokia 8260	94	(1)
The Panasonic Allure	95	(1)
The Panasonic Versio	96	(1)
The Samsung N200	97	(1)
The Samsung Uproar MP3	98	(1)
The Sanyo SCP-5000	99	(1)
The Sanyo SCP-6000	100	(1)
The Sprint Touchpoint 1100	101	(1)
The Sprint Touchpoint 2100	102	(1)
Spring Touchpoint 2200	103	(1)
The Sprint Touchpoint 5200	104	(1)
Summary	105	(1)
Quick References	105	(2)
Accessories for Your Wireless Phone	107	(10)
Introduction	108	(1)
Hands-Free Kits	108	(1)
Cases and Belt Clips	109	(2)
Chargers	111	(2)
Batteries	113	(1)
Faceplates	113	(1)
Summary	114	(1)
Quick References	114	(3)
Part III Service Plans and Rates	117	(62)
Understanding Service Plans	119	(14)
Introduction	120	(1)
Understanding Basic Plan Structures	121	(3)
Local Plans	121	(2)
Regional Plans	123	(1)
National Plans without Roaming Charges	123	(1)
National Plans with Roaming Charges	124	(1)
Breaking Down Wireless Plans and Fees	124	(4)
Additional Plan Features and Fees	127	(1)
The Prepaid Option	128	(3)
Summary	131	(1)
Quick References	131	(2)
Service Providers and Service Areas	133	(26)
Introduction	134	(1)
What Services Are Available to You?	134	(2)
Wireless Service Providers	134	(1)
Finding Service Providers in Your Area	135	(1)
Service Areas	136	(4)
Local Coverage	136	(3)
Regional Coverage	139	(1)
National Coverage	139	(1)
Quality of Service	140	(4)
Why Is Service Quality Inconsistent?	141	(1)
Who Has the Best Service?	142	(2)
Wireless Carrier Directory	144	(13)
Verizon Wireless	145	(1)
Cingular Wireless	146	(1)
AT&T Wireless	147	(1)
Sprint PCS	148	(1)
Nextel	149	(1)
Alltel	150	(1)
VoiceStream	151	(1)
U.S. Cellular	152	(1)
Qwest	153	(1)
Triton PCS	154	(1)
Western Wireless	155	(1)
Dobson Communication Corp.	155	(1)
Telecorp	155	(1)
Century Telephone	155	(1)
Centennial Cellular	155	(1)
Rural Cellular Corporation	155	(1)
Cricket	156	(1)
Cincinnati Bell Wireless	156	(1)
Summary	157	(1)
Quick Reference	157	(2)
Traveling: Your Domestic and International Roaming Options	159	(12)
Introduction	160	(1)
What Is Roaming?	160	(1)
Domestic Roaming Options	161	(3)
AT&T Wireless: AT&T Digital One Rate Plans	162	(1)
Sprint PCS: Real Nationwide Long Distance	163	(1)
Verizon Wireless: National SingleRateSM	163	(1)
International Roaming Options	164	(3)
Nextel WorldwideSM	165	(1)
AT&T WorldConnect® Service	166	(1)
VoiceStream	166	(1)
WorldCell	166	(1)
Guide to International Wireless Carriers	167	(2)
Summary	169	(1)
Quick References	169	(2)
Understanding Special Deals and Promotions	171	(8)
Introduction	172	(1)
Types of Promotions	172	(3)
Service Credits	172	(1)
Rebates	173	(1)
More Minutes: ``Sign Now and Get 1000 More Minutes!''	173	(1)
Free Advanced Services: ``Get One Year of MusicPlayer Free (A 120 Value)!''	173	(1)
Contract Length-Based Incentives: ``Sign Up for a One-Year Contract and Get Free Long Distance!''	174	(1)
Free Accessories: ``Sign Up Now and Get a Free Headset Kit!''	174	(1)
Helpful Hints	175	(2)
Limited Time Offer	175	(1)
Plan Restrictions	175	(1)
Phone Restrictions	175	(1)
Minutes	175	(1)
Services You'll Never Use	176	(1)
Summary	177	(1)
Quick References	177	(2)
Part IV Looking Ahead	179	(18)
Frequently Asked Questions	181	(8)
Introduction	182	(1)
Frequently Asked Questions about Phones	182	(1)
What are the differences between analog and digital phones?	182	(1)
What is the difference between PCS and cellular?	182	(1)
What is Third Generation?	183	(1)
What is a dual-band phone?	183	(1)
What battery has the longest life, NiMH or Li-Ion?	183	(1)
What is the difference between talk time and standby time?	183	(1)
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Rates and Plans	183	(4)
Why is the quality of my wireless service sometimes inconsistent?	184	(1)
Which wireless carrier has the best signal strength?	184	(1)
What is roaming?	184	(1)
If it is called a nationwide plan, then why are there roaming charges?	184	(1)
What plans do not charge for roaming?	185	(1)
How do I know which mode my phone is in?	185	(1)
What do peak and off-peak hours indicate?	185	(1)
How do service providers count anytime minutes versus evening and weekend minutes?	185	(1)
Do I get charged when people call me?	185	(1)
Does it use up my minutes when I call other wireless phones?	186	(1)
When I call my voice mail am I using my minutes?	186	(1)
What is considered a long distance call?	186	(1)
Are toll free number calls free?	186	(1)
What is the farthest I can call from my wireless phone?	186	(1)
Can all cellular phones be used worldwide?	187	(1)
More Frequently Asked Questions	187	(2)
Can I just keep the phone I have and change plans?	187	(1)
Can I change my service plan at any time?	187	(1)
Can I keep my phone number if I move or switch wireless carriers?	187	(1)
If I don't like my phone number, can I change it?	188	(1)
Do I have to sign a contract?	188	(1)
Why do I need a credit card to buy a phone?	188	(1)
Are rebates for phones instant or mail-in?	188	(1)
The Future of Wireless Communications	189	(8)
Introduction	190	(1)
As Use Increases, Prices Fall	190	(1)
What to Consider before Throwing Away Your Home Phone	191	(1)
Wireless as the Only Communications Network	192	(1)
Combining All Your Devices	193	(1)
3G---The Third Generation of Wireless	194	(1)
Summary	195	(1)
Quick References	195	(2)
Appendix A Glossary of Wireless Terms	197	(12)
Appendix B How to Use the GetConnected.com Web Site	209	(12)
Introduction	210	(1)
Home Page	210	(1)
Wireless Home Page	211	(7)
Haven't Decided Which Plan Is for You? Start Here!	212	(1)
Picking a Plan	213	(1)
Browsing by Plans	213	(2)
Picking a Phone	215	(1)
Browsing by Phones	215	(1)
Choosing Accessories	216	(2)
Your Shopping Cart	218	(1)
Ordering at GetConnected, Inc.	218	(1)
Checklist	219	(2)
Index	221