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