Choosing a wireless provider along with the phone, rate plan and services you need and want is not unlike buying a car or insurance. It can seem painful and complex. There are brands, plans, pricing options and colors to choose from and contracts to sign. Being prepared is the best approach.
First, the geographical area in which you will be using the wireless service the most plays a predominant role in choosing the carrier. You may have found the devices with the accessories and features you most desire and the most attractive or lucrative plan but when all is said and done if there is poor service in the coverage area anticipated for usage then all else is of little value.
Ask the question: How, when and where will the service be used? How is the phone going to be used? Will it be for heavy or light use, conversational everyday use, work purposes, industrial or office, in travel or close proximity? Consider the user. Is the user elderly, a child or student, proficient with technology or is this for the timid or first time user? The answers to these questions will help you determine the carrier, technology, coverage areas needed, as well as, features and rate plans.
There are most likely several major carriers and possibly some smaller carriers in your area. You may want to visit a physical location either a company store or agent or check them out online. Look over the coverage area and what will match your needs. Areas and plans extend from regional or national to international coverage.
Next determine the rate plan that fits your usage style. There are limited plans, plans that allow for multiple users at a discount and those that allow calls between networks to your favorite callers for no additional charge. Plans that give you phones for free, offer no commitment, no fees, free shipping on phones, unlimited or limited calling, night and weekend rates. Be aware of roaming fees for calling outside your coverage area. There are often bundled plans that combine new phones with options and rate plans that can equate to considerable savings.
Deciding between signing a one or two year contract or a pre-paid plan is an individual choice. Before signing a contract first read it carefully. Is there a grace period and how long? Is there a early termination fee and how much? Compare the plans between carriers that match your needs. Don't be afraid to ask if they have a comparable or better plan than their competitor. Negotiating may not be easy but don't rule it out, ask for a manager. Always remain calm and patient.
If a contract is too confining consider a prepaid plan. This is a great way to go for the occasional caller or "in case of emergency" Now pick the phone that feels comfortable, fits your style of use, and then any accessories you may require. The right fit will help keep dollars in your pocket and you in touch with the world around you wirelessly. Customer service and tech support is not to be overlooked. If you need assistance or have issues with your service or bill this department becomes vital.
Purchase only what you need don't give in to pressures of salesmanship or peers. But value the information both can provide.
2007年12月18日星期二
Your Cell Phone And The Environment
An astonishing number of people own and use a cell phone, with current figures totaling over 800 million worldwide. It has has become an important part of daily life, and improves business and travel opportunities, whilst providing the best possible level of communication across the globe.
However, the high numbers of users are also subject to changing trends for a number of reasons including improved features, fashion and accessories. This means that upgrades are a regular occurrence, with each device being used for an estimated 12 to 18 months. This means that there is a lot of cell phone waste.
Many users are not aware of the potential damage to the environment that incorrect disposal of cell phones can cause. Incorrect disposal means throwing any cell phone away, which is the typical fate assigned to an unwanted device. However, components within it can have a terrible impact on the environment and so need special disposal. All cell phones contain persistent metals which do not degrade in the environment. They also contain bioaccumulative metals which become toxic over period of time.
For instance, cadmium which is present in a cell phone is significant enough to cause damage in small doses. It is the seventh most harmful known chemical, and is capable of causing cancer. Cell phones also contain lead which causes liver damage in adults and neurological development problems in children when entered into the bloodstream. Other hazardous substances such as nickel and mercury provide further cause for concern.
If not disposed of properly, the metals from the cell phone can leak into the environment through corrosion and cause a series of problems in the environment. If thrown away, it will go to a landfill where it will remain. As many elements do not decompose, the level of harmful toxins increases and so does the potential damage. Lithium can burn with water exposure, and so can potentially begin underground fires when present in large quantities. Any of the hazardous or poisonous substances could contaminate local water supplies or the nearby soil. If either of these is affected than the toxins enter the food chain with terrible results.
In effect, incorrect disposal of the cell phone can create a form of poisoning. The immediate effects include health problems such as genetic or reproductive defects and detrimental effects upon the nervous system and delayed general development. The long term effect is global pollution. When waste that can not be broken down properly such as that in a cell phone is decomposing it creates methane gas. Methane gas is more damaging than CO2 and so has major impact on global warming. Not many people realize that all this can be caused by disposing it in an incorrect manner.
The best way to combat cell phone damage to the environment is to recycle it by returning it to a shop. This includes the accessories also. Some shops will ensure the product is sent to developing countries for reuse. Others will reclaim the metal parts to prevent them going into a landfill. Some cell phone companies even make a charity donation for every recycled device to encourage the practice. The other possibility is that they will ensure the product is sent for proper disposal. This includes disposal of hazardous materials.
Whichever option is used, the positive side effect is that less hazardous waste goes into the environment. Now that you know the facts, make sure that you dispose of your cell phone properly and remain environmentally sound with this one simple gesture.
However, the high numbers of users are also subject to changing trends for a number of reasons including improved features, fashion and accessories. This means that upgrades are a regular occurrence, with each device being used for an estimated 12 to 18 months. This means that there is a lot of cell phone waste.
Many users are not aware of the potential damage to the environment that incorrect disposal of cell phones can cause. Incorrect disposal means throwing any cell phone away, which is the typical fate assigned to an unwanted device. However, components within it can have a terrible impact on the environment and so need special disposal. All cell phones contain persistent metals which do not degrade in the environment. They also contain bioaccumulative metals which become toxic over period of time.
For instance, cadmium which is present in a cell phone is significant enough to cause damage in small doses. It is the seventh most harmful known chemical, and is capable of causing cancer. Cell phones also contain lead which causes liver damage in adults and neurological development problems in children when entered into the bloodstream. Other hazardous substances such as nickel and mercury provide further cause for concern.
If not disposed of properly, the metals from the cell phone can leak into the environment through corrosion and cause a series of problems in the environment. If thrown away, it will go to a landfill where it will remain. As many elements do not decompose, the level of harmful toxins increases and so does the potential damage. Lithium can burn with water exposure, and so can potentially begin underground fires when present in large quantities. Any of the hazardous or poisonous substances could contaminate local water supplies or the nearby soil. If either of these is affected than the toxins enter the food chain with terrible results.
In effect, incorrect disposal of the cell phone can create a form of poisoning. The immediate effects include health problems such as genetic or reproductive defects and detrimental effects upon the nervous system and delayed general development. The long term effect is global pollution. When waste that can not be broken down properly such as that in a cell phone is decomposing it creates methane gas. Methane gas is more damaging than CO2 and so has major impact on global warming. Not many people realize that all this can be caused by disposing it in an incorrect manner.
The best way to combat cell phone damage to the environment is to recycle it by returning it to a shop. This includes the accessories also. Some shops will ensure the product is sent to developing countries for reuse. Others will reclaim the metal parts to prevent them going into a landfill. Some cell phone companies even make a charity donation for every recycled device to encourage the practice. The other possibility is that they will ensure the product is sent for proper disposal. This includes disposal of hazardous materials.
Whichever option is used, the positive side effect is that less hazardous waste goes into the environment. Now that you know the facts, make sure that you dispose of your cell phone properly and remain environmentally sound with this one simple gesture.
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