Rate plans might quite possibly be the biggest source of all for confusion, though they've become much simpler. Most companies have done away with the old plans, which offered different rates at different times on different days for both local and long distance service and roaming charges. These days you will likely find no more than three to six basic plans at any company. The monthly fee increases incrementally with increased numbers of minutes, and you can get a no-frills phone for free if you sign a service contract. Even when long-distance service is more expensive, promotions of free long distance or free weekends are available more often than not.
Most people are surprised when they see the changes in the cost of mobile service.
Alltel was formerly known as Cellular One. The biggest separator for VoiceStream, according to John Green, regional retail manager , includes the features of voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call hold and the ability to call directory assistance all offered for free. Worldcom offers a unique advantage as well. If a customer moves to a part of the country where his or her network has little or no presence, the customer can switch to another network with no financial repercussions. For the credit-challenged, or for parents who want to control their kids' cell phone bills, there is prepaid service.