Things your cell phone company won't tell you
Posted
Dec 26 2008, 05:57 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
Do you want to pay less for cell service but you're not interested in a prepaid plan? Mobile Maven -- a valuable resource for anyone who wants the most value from a mobile phone -- has some tips for cutting your costs in a post called "10 useful secrets the cell phone carriers don't want you to know."
Some apply only when you're getting new service. Others might come in handy right now. For instance, did your service come with free trials on packages that you're now unknowingly paying for?
MM suggests you decline free trials when you sign up.
Another tip is: Go over every detail on your bill -- and ask for an explanation of anything that doesn't make sense.
Similarly, reader "Ane" discovered some extra services when she called to drop a $15 charge for unlimited texting. Ultimately, her bill shrank from more than $90 to a much more palatable $53 a month after she asked what she was paying for.
Another resource mentioned by MM is a Federal Communications Commission Web site that explains common fees and other charges.
Among the other tips:
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Get a contract near the end of the month when cell phone store salespeople are trying to meet their quotas. You might be able to negotiate a better deal, including a waived activation fee.
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If you move overseas or to some other location where you can't get the service you signed up for, you can get out of paying a cancellation fee.
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If you're not moving but otherwise hate your cell phone company, you may be able to trade for another contract at Celltradeusa.com.
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Use free 411 services and stop paying for directory assistance.
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One of MM's "secrets" was misunderstood by some readers. You do pay for 911 but not on a per-call basis. Many local governments collect a small monthly tax on your phone bill to pay for emergency service.
We'll add one more tip from "Polly Poorhouse" at Economic Crunch, who wanted to add her daughter to her cell service. Polly's credit score was damaged by the late payment of some bills, and the cell phone company wants a $300 deposit. That nixed her cell phone gift idea.
Related articles:
5 valid reasons to stop using cell phones
Ditch those money-sucking bills
How to fight all those hidden charges
The low-tech life is liberating (and cheap!)
