Cell Phones

What does the term "upgrade" mean?

Each Carrier will allow customers to “upgrade” their phones (handset) at some point during their agreement.  If you qualify for a carrier upgrade, you’ll likely receive a discount off the normal retail price of the phone if you agree to extend/renew your contract for an additional one or two-year term.  Each carrier has different upgrade policies, but most will require that you are at least 12 months into your contract term before they’ll offer a discounted upgrade rate....

What if I don't qualify for a Carrier upgrade?

You can still purchase a phone at normal retail rates, or through one of the many vendors who sell Phones without having to renew your contract.  Switching phones is quite easy with every carrier, please see the “Phone Only” Q&A section for more information....

Which carriers offer discounts for Phone Only upgrades and when are they available?

If you are looking to just upgrade your phone with your current carrier, you may qualify for a discount when purchasing a new phone.  You will need to re-new your contract for an additional one or two-year term if you accept the discounted upgrade price  Cingular - 18 months into your current contract for each phone you want to upgrade Verizon - 18 months T-Mobile...

How do I find out if I qualify for an upgrade?

Choose a phone to upgrade and begin the checkout process to see if you can qualify for the upgrade discount, or you can call your carriers customers service department to inquire....

What does the term "Rollover" minute mean?

Rollover minutes are offered with AT&T calling plans.  They accumulate when you select a calling plan and do not use all of the anytime minutes.  (i.e. You sign up for the 450 minute plan and only use 400 minutes.  50 minutes rollover to the next month and can be used within a year.) The specific definition and details of how their rollover minutes work is included below.Rollover® Minutes accumulate and expire through 12 rolling bill periods. Bill Period 1......

What is a Smartphone?

An avid PhoneDog reader asked me last week:  "What is a smartphone, anyway?  You mention them in your reviews, but I'm not really sure what makes one phone smart and another ... not smart?" Good question.  I had a pretty solid working definition of my own but did some research before putting fingers to keyboard.  I've included links to a few other helpful definitions below, but here's what I came up with: A Smartphone is essentially a scaled-down personal computer......

What is independent network calling?

Independent network calling is taking free mobile-to-mobile calling within your network to a new level!  This service is currently being offered by two national providers, Alltel and T-Mobile and regional provider SunCom.  They have made it possible for you, the customer, to assign the telephone numbers you talk to the most to your calling plan for unlimited calling.  All calls made to and from your designated numbers to your cellular phone will not go against your calling plan......

What are location based services?

Advances in technologies like GPS (Global Positioning Services) have made it cheaper and easier for cell phone manufacturers to build the hardware and software for location-based services into cell phones, or as Bluetooth-based add-ons for older phones.  GPS units have been a hit in the automotive industry, giving drivers mobile access to directions, traffic conditions, and travelers' information such as hotel and restaurant listings.  Verizon has "VZ Navigator" while Cingular has......

What is 3G video service?

Our friends in parts of Asia and Europe have been enjoying "3G" high-speed cellular services for some time now, while true 3G networks are still ramping up to speed stateside.  One use of 3G cellular networks has been for video services including streaming entertainment and video calling (many 3G phones actually have two cameras: a high quality shooter on the back, and a lower-res camera on the front for video calling).  Verizon and Sprint have been offering streaming video......

What can I expect my first cellular phone bill to cost?

Understanding and feeling comfortable with your cellular phone bill is a big part of being happy with your provider.  A recent survey found that 50% of cell phone users were surprised by the price of their first bill, so thank you for the question.  The following items are all things you should expect to see on your first bill.    Activation FeeAll of the large national carriers charge a one-time activation fee so you must automatically factor that into......

What are the credit requirements for a new cell phone and plan?

When selecting a new phone and plan from one of the distributors available from our site(Foncentral, Let's Talk, or WireFly), the order is processed by them but the credit check requirements are determined by the new cellular phone carrier.  ...

Are all of the phones I see on your site brand new?

No, all of the phones being shipped by the distrubutors Foncentral, Let's Talk, and Wirefly are brand new.  Only phones listed as refurbished would be just that.  The specials for these new cellular phones are available via the website because of the quantity of phones ordered and shipped a day.  Each distributor also offers mail-in and instant rebates that help the consumer get that great deal on a new phone.  So visit the cell phone section again and pick out......

Can you explain the difference between text messaging and e-mail?

Text messaging is a fun and innovative way to stay in touch by typing from your mobile device instead of placing a call. You can use your phone's keypad to send messages to other people on your network. You push "2" for "A" and push "2, 2" for "B", etc.  This service is normally offered by all major carriers at an additional monthly cost.  Email service is a type of text messaging. Many carriers will offer an email account that is something like yournumber@carriername.com.  A......

How does the two-way radio function work on a cellular phone?

Two-way radio service on a cellular phone is a walkie-talkie type feature that allows for you to push a button and be instantly connected to another party without having to make a phone call.  Once you finish speaking and release the button, the person on the other end can respond by pressing the button on their phone and speaking.  Advancements in two way radio services make it possible for you to communicate with friends and family across the United States.  Verizon......

How do I know which phones will work with my service provider (carrier)?

For most people, the easiest way to determine which phone will work with their carrier is by using our Phone Finder tool and selecting your carrier from the filter list and choosing the “unlocked phones” option.  If you really want to learn more and fully understand, you’ll need to read Chapters 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 of the Buyers Guide....

Why are the phones in this section more expensive?

If you’re not switching carriers and don’t qualify for a Carrier Upgrade, you can expect to pay near retail price to switch phones.  Carriers offer the best deals to new customers, or handset upgrades for those who have had service for a substantial period of time.  Carriers make their money by providing you with monthly service plans, and little or no revenue from selling a phone by itself.  Most consumers are accustomed to getting a phone for free when they signed up for new......

Once I purchase a new phone only, how do I activate it with my carrier?

It depends on which carrier you have service with.  With GSM carriers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, SunCom, and Cellular One, you only need to remove your SIM card out of the back of the phone and put it in your new phone.  CDMA carriers such as Verizon and Sprint require you to call in the phones serial number to their customer service department.  For more information on GSM and CDMA carriers, see Chapters 5 and 10 of our Buyers Guide....

How do I save my contacts when switching phones?

It depends on whether you have a GSM or CDMA phone.  With a GSM phone, just make sure you save all your contact to your SIM CARD, not your phones internal memory.  Then just place the SIM card in your new phone.  CDMA phones require you to re-type your contacts manually, purchase the appropriate data cable and software, or for a small fee your carriers corporate store......

How do I know the phone will work with my current carrier?

For most people, the easiest way to determine which phone will work with their carrier is by using our Phone Finder tool and selecting your carrier from the filter list and choosing the “unlocked phones” option.  If you really want to learn more and fully understand, you’ll need to read Chapters 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 of the Buyers Guide. Every  Online Store and most ebay sellers  will clearly provide carrier compatibility information within the item description....

What does “unlocked” GSM phone mean?

“Unlocked” simply means that the phone is not locked with any particular service provider.  This means that the phone will work with any carrier that supports the band/frequencies specified for the device.  Some features such as picture messaging may not work until the phone is properly configured.  Please contact your service provider if you are not sure about the frequencies they carry or if certain features of your new unlocked device are not working. ...

Can I purchase a CDMA phone for use with Verizon or Sprint?

Yes, but just make sure the phone is compatible with your carrier.  Both companies use CDMA technology, but each phone is specifically configure via serial number to only work with Sprint or Verizon, not both.  If the phone comes with a box, the box will specifically be labeled with the Sprint, Verizon, or appropriate carriers logo....

Why are tri-band phones so much less than quad-band?

Quad-band phones will work anywhere in the US and most European countries. Tri-band phones do not include the 850mh frequency, which is used by Cingular.  read more.. link to http://www.phonedog.com/cell-phone-buying-guide/understanding-cellular-technology-and-frequencies.aspx...

How do I choose a seller?

A reputable seller should meet the following criteria:• A feedback score, typically 98.8% or higher.• Total sales of at least 500• A good return policy• A dedicated phone number for customer service• Read more http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/buying_tips.html *Tips: • Some Ebay sellers use titles that contain words “L NEW” the “L” stands for “like”.These phones are obviously not new and should be avoided. Sellers will......

Can I purchase a new cell phone with a calling plan and transfer my current telephone number?

Yes, transferring your current cellular phone number to a new carrier has become a standard process.  During the checkout process, you’ll be asked if you want to “Port” or “Transfer” and existing number.  Final instructions on how to finish the transfer will be provided when you receive your new phone.  Just be sure that you DO NOT cancel your existing service with your current carrier until your number is working properly on your new phone....

Can I stay with my current cellular provider and purchase one of the advertised specials?

Currently via PhoneDog.com, the authorized dealers, WireFly and Let's Talk allow for customers to purchase one of the advertised specials and extend their current contracts.  Contract extensions with a WireFly special can be completed by current AT&T, Sprint, or Nextel customers who are eligible to extend their contract.  You may select an advertised special from WireFly and click “Buy Now from WireFly”.  From the WireFly checkout page you will need to......

What do you mean by authorized online dealer?

An authorized online dealer can ship new wireless devices at a discounted price.  There are only four authorized online dealers approved by carriers to sell wireless devices online in addition to the carriers' own websites.  PhoneDog.com is the only website that allows you to compare prices from every authorized online dealer.  While you may see hundreds of websites claiming to sell handsets at the lowest prices, in fact they are going through one of these authorized online......

Can I select different models of phones when purchasing two or more phones with new service?

Yes, you can make this change from the authorized dealer’s checkout page.  After you have selected a new carrier, cellular phone, and calling plan you will click “Buy now” from the authorized dealer of your choice.  A different device can be selected by clicking “change this phone”.  A list of current specials will appear and a new phone can be selected for each additional line being added to your calling plan if desired....

Can I add a line to my current cellular phone account?

Currently Let’s Talk is the only authorized dealer compared at PhoneDog.com that allows for customers to add a line to their current account.  Here are the three “Add a Line to Your Account” options available from Let’s Talk. 1. Individual Accounts – Add-a-line programsCurrent AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon Wireless customers who want to add a new phone and plan to their existing account but want individual lines instead of a family plan may complete this......

Why use a Pre-Paid service provider/plan?

Consumers use pre-paid calling plans for many different reasons.  Below are the top five reason why you may want to consider using a pre-paid service. No annual contracts No credit check, or deposit required Using the phone for emergency purposes only Visiting the U.S. for a short period of time Unsatisfactory credit...

Can I use a phone I already have with a new pre-paid service provider?

It depends on the type of phone you already have and if it’s unlocked or not.  You would need to contact the pre-paid service provider directly for more information....

Which carriers currently provides pre-paid calling services?

Besides pre-paid only carriers, many national carriers have added pre-paid calling plans to their service offers.  Here is a list of the current carriers offering pre-paid services: TracFone (Largest pre-paid provider in the U.S.) Alltel Boost Mobile Cingular Cricket Liberty metroPCS Net10 SunCom T-Mobile Verizon Virgin Mobile...

What are the disadvantages of pre-paid services?

There are many reason why some people benefit from a pre-paid service plan, but there are still some disadvantages that we want for everyone to be aware of.  The following is a list of five disadvantages to using a pre-paid calling plan instead of a post-paid plan. Higher per minute rates Service and coverage area may not be the same as a post-paid plan Higher purchase price for the phone Must re-charge your phone when your minutes are exhausted Possible......

Can I transfer my existing cellular phone number?

Transfering your existing cellular phone number to a new carrier has become a standard process in the industry. The following providers do allow for you to transfer your existing number into a new service agreement with their company: Cellular One, Cingular Wireless, Edge Wireless, Einstein, Nextel, NTELOS, SunCom, SureWest Wireless, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. To ensure that you are able to transfer your telephone number to a new cellular phone provider, answer yes to the......

When porting my number to a new service provider, how long will it take?

Each carrier is different, but on average it takes around three hours for the porting to take place.  Actual time may vary and depends on the two carriers involved, so it is important to remember that this time is an estimate.  Many people are porting their phone numbers over to new carriers, so the process is much better than it was in the past!...

What kind of service can I expect while my old number is being ported?

We like to make sure everyone is aware that their phones might experience mixed service until the port-in is finalized.  Mixed services means you may make calls from your new wireless phone, however incoming calls will ring to your old phone until the port-in is complete.  Once the port-in is complete, service with your old carrier will shut off automatically and your new wireless phone will have full service....

What is the difference between GPRS and EDGE?

EDGE is an innovation on the GPRS technology. GPRS and EDGE are simply the same concept of mobile internet but the EDGE technology has made many more improvements.  The biggest improvement that consumers are concerned with is speed. The EDGE technology offers speeds of 236kbits per second if not more, while GPRS has speeds of up to 48kbits per second. So Yes, EDGE is better in the fact that an EDGE device will give you a lot faster data rate.  But beware, some service providers may......

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is the latest cutting edge technology to come to mobile phones. In the past, web browsing on phones was not popular because of the high cost and slow speeds. Nowadays since PDA phones are becoming more and more like computers, Wi-Fi has been added to the list of features. With Wi-Fi you can not only access the internet at high speeds, you don't need to worry about high internet rates. Virtually everywhere you go now there is a wireless signal. With Wi-Fi on your PDA you don't need......

What is the difference between Analog and Digital technology?

The difference between analog and digital technology is how the messages are transmitted and the sound quality of those voice transmissions. Analog technology uses a system called Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS). AMPS uses analog radio frequency modulation (FM) for voice transmission. Digital technology uses one of the following systems: CDMA, TDMA, or GSM. In general, digital transmissions provide for highly private conversations with superior sound quality to analog transmissions. ......

What is the difference between TDMA, CDMA and GSM cell phones?

Most cellular phone carriers support one of the following incompatible technologies for transmitting and decoding phone calls. Each technology has its proponents and detractors. The most important consideration for consumers is ensuring that your phone and service provider both support the same technology. Example: you can use a CDMA-compatible phone only on a CDMA-compatible network.  TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), sorts messages into time slots in order to send them. Voice......