Blog
Take the pledge: I won’t text and drive
The It Can Wait initiative focuses on educating people – especially teens – about the dangers of texting and driving. The message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. As we come up to the Labor Day…
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…
Tips
During natural disasters or widespread emergencies, wireless voice networks can be overwhelmed, and text messages to loved ones have a higher likelihood of getting through.
If you don’t use your cell phone much, consider a prepaid plan. Unless you choose to “re-up” your minutes, you can’t go over your limit.
Ask your carrier if you can update your cell phone's roaming capability to give your phone a signal boost. Updating may improve reception.
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).
Customers of all major carriers can check their usage at any time by visiting the company’s website.
© 2011 - 2012 Consumer Action.