Blog
Mobile data tops voice for first time
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), an association representing the high tech manufacturers and suppliers of information and communications technology, finds in its 2013 ICT Market Review & Forecast that U.S. wireless data spending…
Unfair wireless taxes irk consumers
Between federal, state and local taxes and fees, American wireless consumers are paying nearly two and a half times more in taxes and fees (17.1%) than the average sales tax rate (7.3%) applied to other taxable goods and services. And unfortunately, taxes…
ETFs and domestic violence victims
Most major wireless carriers charge "early termination fees" (ETFs) when customers cancel cell phone contracts. Typically, postpaid (as opposed to prepaid) wireless contracts lock customers into one or two year contracts in return for a free or deeply…
Should you buy an extended warranty for your phone?
Most mobile devices come with a manufacturer’s warranty—typically for one year. Often, you're given the option to purchase an extended warranty, which would cover manufacturer’s defects for some time beyond one year. Before saying yes…
Chat more sustainably
Did you just get a new cell phone? Are you wondering what to do with the old one? Recycle it! Donating or recycling cell phones, PDAs, chargers, and batteries has never been easier. When cell phones and accessories are in good working order, you can give…
Tips
If you want to watch streaming video without using any of your monthly wireless data allotment, set your data-ready device to Wi-Fi when in range of a wireless Internet signal.
Stay connected during a power outage by planning ahead: Keep an extra, charged wireless phone battery on hand and own a car, solar- or hand-powered charger.
The FCC suggests that pacemaker users may want to avoid placing or using a wireless device close to their pacemaker.
If you aren't moving out of the area, you can keep your existing phone number when you switch cell phone carriers. This is called “porting” your number. (There may be a porting fee).
Data usage is measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) rather than minutes. There are 1,024 KB in 1 MB, and 1,024 MB in 1 GB.
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