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Interested in learning more about cell phones, and cell phone plans? Here are some links and literature for you to peruse: |
ONLINE RESOURCES
DeadCellZones.com is a leading research community dedicated to identifying specific geographic areas within metro areas of the United States where cellular telephone calls are frequently dropped or where cellular service is not available. DeadCellZones.com provides an open communication platform for consumers to easily report the information that is needed to identify specific geographic areas that consistently experience poor cellular coverage.
Stop Adding to My Bill &
On a national basis taxes, fees, and surcharges you pay on your wireless bill are almost twice as high as those you pay when buying taxable items at your local hardware store. The average monthly wireless bill has decreased 37% over the past decade, but 19 states now impose double-digit taxation on wireless service and the trend is increasing. You can do something about the unfair tax burden states are putting on wireless service. Explore this website to learn about the tax situation in your state and what you can do to let your legislator know how you feel about it.
(Telephone) 1-888-225-5322
Hello Direct
An online reference library that offers reviews of various service providers and explanations of important lingo and recent innovations in telecommunications.
LetsTalk.com
This retail, cell-phone website allows users to easily compare cell phones and service plans. The website uses a filtering system by asking a series of questions that either eliminates or adds alternatives. The display results show all the phones and plans that meet the imputed criteria in an easy-to-compare list.
LowerMyBills.com
Just punch in your area code and the first three digits of your phone number and this site pulls up easy-to-read comparisons of plans for all kinds of telecom services available in your area. Be careful, though, it may not include all the services in any given area, so you still may be able to find better deals.
CMCHMENTORS.com
This great site gives you not only the upside to cell phone use and convience, but more importantly, the downsides too, like: mental health risks and studies that show that teens who use cell phones the most were more likely to be anxious and depressed. Other adverse side effects to cell phone use are: potential for bullying while text messaging, eye strain and "digital thumb", bacteria, brain tumors and low sperm counts, and lack of sleep. The hazards of unsafe operation of automobiles while using cell phones are well known, but less well known are studies that show the potential for dependence on the phone which allows calls and messages interfere with daily schedules, promotes dishonesty about a teenagers location when calling home (something that now can be verified by the GPS feature on more advanced phones), and the huge monthly expense excessive use brings to the family. The site gives tips as to what kids and parents can do to check these adverse side effects. Go to www.cmch.tv/mentors/hotTopic.asp?id=70.
Here is a quote I found on CNET Tech News where a teacher is lamenting the fact that her students spent much of their class time texting instead of studying: "I blame the parents for placating every little whim these brats have. Starts about age 2 and goes until they run out of money...." In today's economic climate, many families are running out of money, but few are giving up their cell phones.
Carriers
AT&T
1-800-331-0500
1-800-255-8531
1-800-639-8359
1-800-899-7780
1-800-480-4727
1-800-937-8997
Coverage by address. Before you buy a plan, check coverage where you live, work, and play. By far, the most detailed coverage map of all the carriers.
1-888-944-9400
1-866-256-4646
NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY
Go to www.donotcall.gov
Call 1-800-382-1222 from the telephone number you want to register.
Once you register, you are on the Do Not Call list forever. The National Do Not Call Registry does not limit calls by political organizations, charities, or telephone surveyors.
THE LATEST ON COMPARING CELL PHONE PLANS
The January 2009 issue of Consumer Reports rates the best and worst cell phone deals.
It rates AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile & Verizon cell service and how carriers performed in major metropolitan areas on pp 32-33. It further rates the phones that are available as well and explains in what respects smart phones are becoming more capable on pp 36-38. And it gives the results of the latest test on 8 models of Bluetooth headsets on page 40. Best of all, you can get a copy of this magazine report at their local library, free. You will have the side benefit of a learning experience on how to use this valuable resource for other consumer goods.
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