| The wireless industry is currently slightly smaller | | | | Digital handsets using TDMA, CDMA or GSM may |
| than the computer, automobiles, publishing and | | | | not be able to access systems of carriers |
| agriculture industry segments. But this monster is | | | | employing different digital technologies. It is |
| expected to grow to even a larger sector of the | | | | important that you understand this. Since |
| US economy than the agriculture and automobile | | | | switching carriers may render your cell phone |
| sectors. | | | | useless if it is not compatible with the technology |
| This is based upon the wireless industry's | | | | of your intended carrier. |
| anticipated 15% annual growth rate over the next | | | | My personal rule is probe, dig, and find out as |
| 5 years. | | | | much as you can about your intended carrier. |
| The cell phone behemoth continues to roll on | | | | Odds are if people are being burnt by a particular |
| unchecked. It generated an astronomical $118 | | | | carrier others will know. Word of mouth is so |
| billion in revenues in 2004. Truly, this | | | | much better than other more costly channels. |
| larger-than-life industry contributed a staggering | | | | Having ascertained that the carrier you have |
| $92 billion to the US coffers. | | | | decided to go with has passed your stringent test |
| It has become known for taking a no-nonsense | | | | lets now consider your needs. How many calls do |
| stance when it comes to their beloved carrier | | | | you normally make a day? Who do you call? Will |
| plans. If you switch, it is vital that you thoroughly | | | | you call people at home or your friends on cell |
| investigate your intended carrier and do it before | | | | phones? How about local, interstate or |
| you sign on the dotted line. | | | | international? |
| The more investigating and inquiries you make, | | | | It is vital that you merge your calling needs with |
| the more you diminish the risk of ending up | | | | the rates offered by your planned mobile carrier. |
| embroiled in a nasty situation. A contract that | | | | Needing more minutes is the chief reason for |
| gives you what you desire at the price you can | | | | moving from one plan to another. |
| afford is what you are after. | | | | Again, read your contract thoroughly! If you are |
| Wireless consumers are becoming increasingly | | | | unsure do not sign. Wait for a clearer time; you |
| demanding. They are hungry for information on | | | | will be glad you did. If you are a shy and easily |
| the availability and quality of mobile | | | | influenced person conduct your business on the |
| telecommunications services. This has led to the | | | | internet. |
| dreaded churn. In wireless circles churn refers to | | | | Talk to your friends. That may be something to |
| the number of customers an operator loses over | | | | consider. It is more economical to call phones that |
| a given period of time. As consumers become | | | | are on the same network. Use vision; look down |
| more cell savvy, churn will increase for the | | | | the road a bit before signing. If you anticipate |
| carriers who don't adjust to consumer demand. | | | | your needs changing discuss it with your carrier. |
| When your contract is nearing completion use the | | | | Sometimes switching plans with the same carrier |
| opportunity to survey other carriers. Do not just | | | | may not always mean additional fees. Doing your |
| hop back in bed with the same carrier. It is | | | | homework today is the key to avoiding |
| important that you beat the bushes and hunt | | | | headaches tomorrow. |
| down a better deal for yourself. | | | | |