Most customers will spend much more on wireless service fees than on the phone, so wireless companies are willing to give you a phone for free or at a reduced cost in order to get you to sign up. Free phones are only a good option if the provider offers the services you desire and charges competitive rates. Remember that the phones generally only work with one wireless service, and if you change wireless companies you may need to purchase a new phone. While analog phones have a greater geographic reach, digital phones offer extra features like caller ID and the ability to receive e-mail messages and pages. Digital phones also offer greater protection against accidental eavesdropping.
Some wireless providers sell phones that receive both analog and digital signals.
You may, however, have to pay extra roaming charges when using the phones out of their area and also pay more for the phones themselves. If you're thinking about going wireless or are looking for a new service plan, be particular and shop around. Remember, you may be signing a binding contract, much like leasing a car - once you've signed on the dotted line, it's yours.