July 18, 2008

Long awaited day has finally arrived – many of the big name wireless providers are finally cutting the exorbitant fees usually charged for early terminations and cancellations.

July 17, 2008

Given the sheer number of different cell phones and mobile devices on the market today, choosing the right one can be difficult for consumers. WMUR 9 offers several different tips to help you choose the right device for you, so that you can make sure you get maximum efficiency at an affordable price.

July 16, 2008

It can if you live in San Francisco, according to the New York Times. In one of the most ambitious steps towards reducing the parking problem, San Francisco intends to test six thousand metered parking spaces that will, through a wireless sensor, be able to tell drivers which parking spots are available at any given moment.

July 14, 2008

UPI reveals that people living in Canada are receiving warnings from the Toronto Public Health department to limit the amount of time their children spend on the cell phones, due to increasing health concerns.

Wireless Service Contract Options

Yearly Service Contracts or Month-to-Month Service

Most carriers and plans require that you sign at least a one-year contract. This means that you agree to keep your service with the carrier for a year, whether or not you turn the phone on. And if you find a better deal somewhere else, well you signed on for a year, and a year will go by before you will be released from your contract.

Leaving a contract early usually results in a cancellation fee (at least $150). The amount varies from carrier to carrier, so be sure to read and understand the agreement before you commit to it. If you add the termination fee to the new company's activation fee, it usually isn't cost effective to switch plans mid contract.

Some carriers also offer plans on a month-by-month basis. Notably, Sprint PCS plans are available in either month-to-month, annual, or biannual flavors. Carriers may offer incentives for entering into a longer contract, so if the plan makes sense for your usage, a one-year or longer contract can be a good deal.

Credit Checks and Billing Pre-activation credit checks are a standard practice in the cellular industry. Depending on the results of your credit report, you may be required to pay a deposit to activate cellular service.

If you don't want to be locked in for a year, or if you have some damaged or no credit history, then a pre-paid service plan is another option. The prices are more expensive per minute but you won't pay additional tax.