Cellular Phone Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about Airtime?

Whether you're making or receiving a call, Airtime is the time that elapses from the moment you press SEND to begin your call until you press END to terminate your call.

Whether you're making or receiving a call, Airtime is the time that elapses from the moment you press SEND to begin your call until you press END to terminate your call.

Airtime and other measured usage are rounded up to the next full or whole minute at the end of each call for billing purposes.

Unintentional 911 calls - How do I disable my phone's emergency key feature?

9-1-1 Emergency Call Centers across the country have reported high levels of calls dialed accidentally by way of a shortcut 911 key. Some wireless phones are programmed to dial 9-1-1 by pressing a single shortcut key on the phone keypad.

Home Calling Area? What is that?

In the Home Calling Area, you pay only your local airtime rate plus any associated long-distance charges, taxes, and fees. This may also be referred to as "home area," "home coverage area," or "local calling area."

What is/how to use 3-Way Calling? How much does it cost?

Three-way calling enables you to add a third party to a two-way conversation. Three-way calling is charged at a flat rate. There is no per-use charge associated with this feature. However, you will be charged airtime and applicable roaming and toll charges for all calls simultaneously when you use 3-Way Calling to have a conversation with more than one person at the same time.

What are Anytime Minutes?

Anytime refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used 24 hours a day.

Can you explain the difference between Peak and Off-Peak?

Peak and Off-Peak refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used during different times of the day.

Most rate plans that include Peak and Off-Peak minutes follow this schedule in your local time zone: note that few carriers differ from this schedule.

Peak: 7:00 a.m. to 8:59 p.m. Mon-Fri

Off-Peak: 9:00pm - 6:59am Mon-Thu, 9:00pm Fri - 6:59am Mon

Are Night & Weekend Minutes the same?

Night & Weekend refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used during designated night and weekend hours.

Most rate plans that include Night & Weekend minutes follow this schedule in your local time zone:

9:00pm - 6:59am Mon-Thu, 9:00pm Fri - 6:59am Mon

Night & Weekend minutes are usually bundled in combination with Anytime minutes

How do I change or update my service plan?

Depending on the type of account you have, some customers will be able to change their service plans online on the carriers home page.

What are my options for wireless privacy?

The FCC requires that cellular providers transmit your wireless number when you make a call, if technically feasible. This means that when you place a call, your wireless number will be displayed if the party you are calling has Caller ID. You have an option to limit transmission of your wireless number. To further your knowledge on this, contact your cellular service provider on the correct way to block your number when calling out.

What if I need to cancel my service? What is the process for canceling my service?

You have to call your Customer Care department and they will handle it for you. Be aware that if your contract with the provider is not expired at the time of cancellation, you may be charge a cancellation penalty.

My phone was stolen, what should I do?

You should contact your Customer Care department as soon as possible to report your phone stolen so that you will not be liable for any calls not made by yourself.

I need a cell phone, so how do I get started?

First thing would be to have an idea of the phone features you need, what your budget limitations are, an estimate of how many minutes you might use the phone per month, and if you'll be traveling a lot. Then look at plans being offered and pick one that would suit your needs.

How can I tell what carrier can provide me with the best service coverage?

All cellular carriers have areas where there are dead spots which means very little or no cellular service. All carriers can tell you that they cover certain areas, there is always a risk that certain areas will have low or no service.

Can I insure my phone?

In case of loss or damage, yes you can insure your cellular phone through your cellular carrier. There would be a monthly cost and a deductible that is determined by each carrier