Choosing
a AT&T Prepaid Wireless Plan
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To help you choose the best plan, here are some Questions to ask
yourself when choosing a AT&T prepaid wireless phone service
plan:
1. Is there any reason to get analog service?
Not unless you live in the middle of nowhere. Otherwise, there's
no reason to buy an analog-only phone and analog service for it.
Though AT&T prepaid wireless digital service isn't offered everywhere,
coverage areas are gradually widening, and digital service plans
offer more bang for the buck - more included minutes and better
call quality - than analog plans.
If your job takes you to the boonies, purchase a dual-mode phone
that will roam (automatically switch) to an analog network when
a digital signal isn't available. You'll still have to pay roaming
fees, but at least you'll have the ability to make calls when there's
no digital coverage.
2. When do I pay roaming fees for AT&T prepaid wireless?
You pay a roaming charge when you make calls outside of your AT&T
prepaid wireless coverage area; sometimes, long-distance charges
are added to the roaming charge. To avoid roaming charges, you can
do one of two things: Be aware of your local coverage area and don't
make calls outside of it (some phones indicate when you're beyond
your local coverage area); or sign up with a nationwide service
provider, such as AT&T prepaid wireless, and pick a plan that
allows you to roam throughout the United States (or wherever the
carrier provides coverage) without paying additional fees. National
plans are sometimes more expensive than regional ones, but if you
travel a fair amount outside your local coverage area, they're well
worth the extra cost. Plus, national plans usually include free
long distance.
Most carriers have maps of their local coverage areas posted on
their Web sites or in pamphlets that you find in cell phone stores.
If you choose a local provider, make sure it offers coverage everywhere
you plan on using the phone, or else you'll find yourself paying
high roaming fees. The same is true when picking a national plan:
Check the carrier's maps to make sure it covers the cities to which
you'll be traveling. If a city isn't covered, you should still be
able to make calls in those areas, but you'll be connected by another
carrier and may be charged a connection fee.
3. What does all the AT&T prepaid wireless network jargon
mean?
Carrier networks are based on one of three technologies: Code Division
Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The TDMA network
is currently the largest in the United States, with CDMA close behind.
GSM, which is gradually gaining momentum in America, is the standard
in Europe and Asia.
Although the American breed of GSM is different than the European
and Asian GSM, you can purchase a trimode GSM phone--such as Ericsson's
T28 World Phone or Nokia's 8890--that works on GSM networks in America
and overseas. That makes GSM a good choice for globetrotters. But
beware that GSM may not be the best choice for frequent travelers
within the United States because coverage is still spotty. For instance,
a GSM phone may currently work well in New York, but in Chicago,
service is limited.
Tip: Pick a network that offers the most coverage in the areas
where you plan to make the most calls.
4. Does AT&T prepaid wireless Internet service cost extra?
Usually, but not always. Some service providers offer "basic"
Internet plans that give you access to cell-friendly Web sites for
free, though you need to buy a Web-enabled phone to use the service.
You can get weather updates, stock quotes, sports scores, movie
listings, travel information, and even the latest news from CNET.
You can also shop right from your phone. Just remember that time
you spend surfing the Web costs you in minutes. Also, additional
services, such as email and faxing, may cost extra (usually less
than $15 for unlimited usage).
The bottom line is that AT&T prepaid wireless Web services
are quickly becoming value-added features for cell phones. Service
providers want you to use your phone as much as possible to eat
up your included minutes, so anything that will keep you on the
phone is in their best interest.
Tip: If you're on the fence about whether you want wireless Web
services, you can always buy a Web-enabled phone and choose not
to activate the extra services or to activate only the ones that
are free. When the price drops for certain services, or they're
offered at no cost, you can then sign up for them.
5. Do I have to sign a contract for AT&T prepaid wireless?
No. A handful of service providers - Sprint, for example - don't
require you to sign a contract, but the majority of providers do.
Most lock you into at least a year's commitment no matter which
plan you choose. If you choose to terminate the contract prematurely
or to change service providers, you'll have to pay a substantial
fee. The good news is that most service providers give you the flexibility
of switching to another plan, either to add or to subtract minutes.
Also, most carriers let you upgrade or exchange your phone within
30 days of signing up for service.
Get a TracFone Prepaid
Wireless Phone Today!
Get a Cricket Prepaid Cell Phone Today!
Get a AT&T
Prepaid Phone Today!
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