Cellular/Wireless Phone Buying Guide

If you're thinking about cellular/wireless phones for your employees, this guide will help you determine which type of service best fits your business' needs and how to choose the right service plan and provider.

In the U.S., your service options include three basic wireless technologies to choose from: analog, digital, and global satellite.

Analog

Headsets

The oldest technology in wireless communication; analog technology transmits voices over radio waves just as your FM dial does.

Pros: Expansive networks provide relatively complete coverage, even in rural and suburban areas. Analog phones are generally less expensive than digital phones and may even be offered free with a service contract.

Cons: Users may experience poor reception or interference when the signal is blocked, or hear a "fast busy" signal indicating network capacity is full. Analog phones are more susceptible to fraud and eavesdropping. Sound quality is inferior to digital and batteries must be recharged more frequently.

Digital (cellular & PCS)

Digital phones use advanced technology that converts voices into numeric code, which is then transmitted to the phone and decoded.

Pros: Reception, sound quality, battery life, and security features are superior to analog. Digital technology maximizes network capacity, so "fast busy" signals are rare.

Cons: Though expanding quickly, network coverage is limited and oftentimes spotty (digital networks are being built in major cities first, then moving to outlying areas). Users in areas of limited coverage often experience dropped calls. Digital phones are more expensive than most analog phones.

Global satellite

Global satellite transmits voices over satellites, thus avoiding the compatibility problems that occur between cellular and digital networks.

Pros: Provides service virtually anywhere in the world, including remote areas that lack cellular or digital infrastructures.

Cons: Service may be relatively expensive. Very few providers offer this technology, and those who do can be vulnerable to breakdowns in satellite equipment.

Service options

Nokia accessories

Some additional services available with wireless plans are listed below:

Call forwarding: Allows you to divert incoming calls to your voice mail or a different phone, such as your office or home telephone.

Call waiting: Allows you to put the person you're talking to on hold while you answer a second incoming call. Some phones give you the option of switching call waiting off when you don't want to be disturbed.

Caller ID: Allows your phone to display the number of the person who is calling.

Three–way calling: Allows you to include an additional third person in your wireless conversations. Be aware, however, that per–minute charges apply for each caller, so three–way calls cost twice as much as regular two–way calls.

Text messaging: Allows your phone to act as an alphanumeric pager.

Voice mail: An automated voice messaging system that answers calls when your phone is switched off, the line is busy, or you are unavailable to respond to an incoming call.

Phone features

Motorola accessories

Alphanumeric memory: The ability to store data (letters and numbers) into memory, e.g. to create an electronic phone book. The number of names and phone numbers that can be stored ranges from approx. 20–250. A speed dial function is usually incorporated, allowing one–touch dialing of stored numbers. Also allows you to receive alphanumeric messages (a service fee is required).

Last # redial: If you get a busy signal when you place a call, the phone will automatically redial the number until it gets through.

Call time indicator: Helps you keep track of the minutes you're using by indicating the time spent on phone calls (current call or cumulative).

Data functionality: Allows you to use your phone to send faxes, interface with a laptop computer, and/or send and receive numeric or text messages. May require additional hardware (e.g. a wireless modem).

Multi–line LCD display: The LCD is the screen on your phone that displays the number you're calling, elapsed call time, etc. If you will be using your phone for data functions, a display of at least 3 lines is recommended.

Multi–band/mode capable: The ability to switch between different wireless technologies and frequencies. Allows digital phones to maintain service when outside of your network's coverage area (e.g. in rural areas with only analog coverage).

Multiple ringing options: Allows you to alter the tone of your ringer.

Talk time: The amount of time your phone is in use, whether talking on the phone or checking voice mail. Depending on the phone and the type of battery, talk times range from approx. 60 & 300 minutes.

Vibrating alert: Silently notifies you of an incoming call.

Batteries

Wireless phones require a rechargeable battery. Although a battery is included when you purchase a phone, many users buy a more powerful battery for maximum output, or a spare battery to use while the first battery is recharging.

NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) is the least expensive type of battery, offering the shortest amount of talk and standby time. NiCad batteries suffer from a "memory effect" which, over time, limits their ability to fully recharge, further limiting their capacity.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries are often preferable because they better retain their full capacity. They provide the same voltage as NiCad batteries and require about 20% longer to recharge, but they allow approximately 30% more talk time and are considered more environmentally friendly.

Lithium Ion batteries are superior to both NiCad and NiMH in terms of talk and standby time, but their performance is reflected in their price. If you want the lightest battery with the best capacity, this is the type of battery you should consider.

Keep in mind that batteries which last longer between recharging also have fewer charge cycles in their life span, so all batteries end up lasting about one and a half to two years before they wear out.

Choosing a service provider

Phone wipes

When choosing a service provider, you will need to decide whether to go directly to a carrier or, instead, to a local reseller. In either case, the plans available to you will be the same.

While the carrier sets the price for service, there may be differences in activation fees or discounts offered up–front. A reseller, for instance, might offer phone models or rebate packages not included in a carrier's plan. There may also be differences in the quality of customer service.

Here are some important points to consider when choosing a provider:

Coverage area: Be sure to look at the carrier's coverage map, especially in your local service area. Ensure that you will not incur expensive roaming charges during the course of your typical day–to–day activities.

Service plan: Make sure the provider is offering a package that fits your needs. The plan should include adequate peak and off–peak minutes, and, if you travel, reasonable long distance and roaming charges. You should also be offered a discounted phone when you sign up for service.

Quality of customer service: Call the customer service line to see how long it takes to get assistance and whether the representative is helpful. You can also ask for customer references.

Reliability: Try to find out the carrier's reputation in terms of network reliability, particularly in the areas you most often use your phone. A carrier's network may provide thorough coverage in one city, but remain inconsistent in another.

Term of contract: Find out if there's a penalty for ending your contract early or switching to a different plan.

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The information contained in this article is only an overview of the subject matter made for general guidance to the reader, and is subject in all cases to limitations and disclaimers set forth in Staples' Legal Terms and Conditions.