Cellular/Wireless Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wireless plan? - Each wireless carrier has created multiple service plans that fit the needs of the customer. Most service plans will have a monthly access fee with a certain number of included minutes.

What is analog service? - Information is transmitted over specific radio frequency (typically 800 MHz) Cellular service was initiated in 1983 with only two carriers in each market. Most phones today are totally digital with no analog capabilities. Voice only on analog. What we know as the traditional phone.

What is digital cellular service? - Information is broken down into digital codes. The digital technology consumes less power than analog phones did. The talk time of wireless phones (vs analog) also increases as digital technology needs less power or wattage to transmit and receive a signal.

What is Regional Roaming? - Many carriers will assign customers a home service area. All service plans allow user to operate their phone in their home area without incurring any roaming charges. However, some carriers may charge customers a roaming charge when using phones outside their home area.

What is National Roaming? - The majority of service plans will charge the customer a roaming charge when the phone is used outside of their home state. However, there are many higher end service plans which now allow the customer to roam outside ofthe state for a fixed cost (sometimes at no cost).

What is handset insurance? - The consumer has the option of purchasing handset insurance with their service plan. It is usually paid to the wireless carrier on a monthly basis. This insurance will guarantee the consumer that they will be reimbursed if their phone is lost or damaged.

How much is a handset? - Wireless phones are compatible with certain wireless service plans. Many wireless carriers today will subsidize the handset and sell the handset at a lower price than cost. Therefore, wireless handsets purchased without a service plan will always be more expensive. Some carriers now include the phone for no cost after rebate.

What is a ESN? - ESN stands for electronic serial number. The ESN is needed by the wireless carriers to activate your phone and ensure that your billing information is captured correctly.

What is a dual band phone? - Dual mode phones can operate on both digital cellular and analog cellular networks in 800 MHz range.

What are tri mode phones? - Tri mode phone are 1900 MHz personal communications service (PCS) phones that can also operate as 800 MHz analog and 800 MHz digital cellular phones.