The prospect of getting a wireless phone, with the newest technology and applications can be exciting. However, this decision requires you to consider not only the phone’s capabilities, but also the service provider, and the type of plan you need. And now that can use your mobile phone to access the Internet and applications, you also need to remember the same safety and privacy concerns that you follow when using your computer.
There are two basic types of mobile phones: conventional cell phones and smart phones. The conventional cell phone is suitable if you only want to make and receive calls and send text messages on your phone. Features such as voicemail and speaker phones also come standard on a conventional phone. Smart phones are more like miniature computers that allow you do the same basic phone functions along with advanced features, including browse the Internet, access email, interact on online social networks, listen to music, watch videos, upload pictures, manage your calendar, and allow use of a QWERTY keyboard to facilitate texting and emailing. Before you sign up or start shopping for a phone, you need to assess your needs:
Where can you make and receive calls? Locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Will you just use your phone occasionally or will this be your primary communication tool?
Is a family plan option available?
What phone features will you actually need?
What will happen if you decide to cancel your service?
Do you prefer to pay monthly for a set number of minutes or would you prefer a “pay as you go” plan?
Is there a trial period? Some phones may work well in the retail store, but have limited reception once you take it home.
Selecting a Phone, Service Provider, and Service Plan
As you shop for a phone, you should consider that you are not only shopping for the phone itself, but also for a wireless service provider and appropriate service plan. Consumer Reports is one resource where you can get updated reviews of both phones and service providers. You should also ask trusted friends and family about their satisfaction with their phones and service providers. As you shop, consider these tips:
Consider the shape and size of the phone.
Make sure you can easily use the keypad to make calls or send messages.
Ask if a data plan is required and if so, how much does it cost?
Take advantage of special pricing and promotions.
Make certain to know the return and cancellation policies.
Many of the large carriers adhere to a Voluntary Consumer Code that helps consumers know what they can expect before signing a contract with a service provider, in terms of rates, service maps, contract termination, fees, and customer service.
If there is a particular phone model you are interested in buying, investigate which service providers actually carry the phone. If your service provider carries the phone, they may require you to renew or extend your current contract; you may also be required to upgrade the service plan you have in order to access all of the phone’s features. Some phone models are available exclusively with only one service provider. This may require you to terminate a contract with your current provider and start a new contractual agreement with a new provider. Under the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) local number portability rules, so long as you remain in the same geographic area, you can take your phone number with you when you move from one service provider to a different one.
Privacy and Safety Concerns
Along with all of the valuable features on new phones today come some new privacy and security challenges. While small in size, in reality mobile phones are miniature computers and could potentially be affected by the same big problems you face on your desktop computer, such as viruses, mobile malware, spyware, and text message spam. However, unlike your personal computer, cell phones do not generally have anti-virus protections or firewalls to protect you. Therefore, you should take precautions with your phone, including:
Protect your passwords for websites you visit from your mobile phone, particularly financial institutions.
Refrain from posting your mobile phone number or email address publicly online.
Many mobile phones come with an email address that includes your mobile phone number in the address. Contact your service provider to have this email address changed.
Delete texts or emails from people that you don’t know. Don’t click any links in these messages.
Be careful about clicking on ads, as they can contain viruses.
Be careful about unlocking your cell phone from the manufacturer or service provider; this makes the phone more vulnerable to attack from malware.
Turn off your Bluetooth when not in use. They can be used by hackers to compromise your phone.
Encrypt passwords and other sensitive data saved on your cell phone.
Disposing of Your Old Cell Phone
Even after you get a new mobile phone you may be wondering what to do with your old phone and charger. There are safe ways to dispose of your cell phone that can even be helpful to others and not hurt the environment. Before you dispose of it, make sure to clean the phone to protect your privacy:
Delete the contacts in your phone book, text messages, voicemails, saved photos, and web search history.
Clear out your call and text history (both calls and texts received and made).
Note: Contact your phone manufacturer if you have questions about how to properly clear the phone’s memory and contents.
After you have taken these steps, you can now determine how to dispose of the phone. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you not throw out electronics with your other trash, because they contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. It is recommended that you:
Recycle it. Many wireless service providers will accept your old phone at their retail stores. Similarly, you can send the phone and accessories to the phone manufacturer.
Donate it to an organization that can use it for charitable purposes.
Resell it.
Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information on the basics of purchasing a new mobile phone, check out these resources:
