CELL PHONE SAVVY:
A GUIDE TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR
CURRENT AND FUTURE CELL PHONES AND
AVOIDING BEING OVERCHARGED IN NYC
NEIGHBORHOODS
A REPORT BY PUBLIC ADVOCATE BETSY GOTBAUM
Revised AUGUST 2005
Visit us on the web at www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov or call us at 212-669-7200.
Office of the New York City Public Advocate
Betsy Gotbaum
Public Advocate for the City of New York
PREPARED BY:
Jill E. Sheppard
Director of Policy and Research
Jesse Mintz-Roth
Policy Research Associate
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF:
Dianna Payne
Ombudsman
Peter Hitt
Deborah Oriscak
Laura Smith
Anna Stallman
Interns
Contents
Hear Me Now: Reception and Service Areas
Infrastructure Updates in the New York Area
Advice for Commuters and Travelers: Trains and Subways Wired for Cell Phones
How to Determine Reception Quality Before You Buy
Optimizing your Contract
What’s the Best Way to Sign Up for a Contract?
How Long Do I Have to Keep My Contract?
When Is the Best Time to Negotiate for Deals?
Picking a Contract Type
Jet Setters: Options for New Yorkers Who Travel
Uncomplicate Your Life: How to Simplify Billing for Your Household
Service Plans
Picking a Contract Term
How Long Do Phones Last?
Should I Buy Phone Replacement Insurance?
What if I Lose My Phone or Want to End My Contract Before It’s Up?
Activating Service
• When’s the Best Time to Get a Good Deal on a New Phone?
• Should I Take Any Precautions About Renewing My Contract with My Existing
Provider?
• Why Should I Be Careful When Changing My Minutes and Features?
Picking a Phone
• What to Know If You Use Your Phone Frequently Outside New York City
• For Users of Older AT&T Wireless Phones
Picking a Carrier
• Can I Bring My Number to a New Carrier?
Text, E-Mail and Multimedia
Text Messaging Keeps You Informed
BlackBerry and Smart Phones
What’s Next: Broadband Everywhere
Where to Shop
Getting Rid of Your Ol