🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <C19H26.A9r@unx.sas.com> cole@nepenthe.unx.sas.com (Tom Cole) writes:
>
>I followed the discussion about cellular phone companies for a bit
>and can't resist putting in my own $.02 worth.  My wife and I each
>have a phone, one with CellularOne and one with Centel.  Based on
...stuff deleted

>o  It's worth pointing out that both Centel and Cellular One offer
>   "cheap" plans, offering next to no built-in minutes.  Cellular
>   One offers a plan for something on the order of $10 a month with
>   no built-in minutes.  They do not advertise this plan, so you
>   have to ask for it.  But it does provide a means for buying the
>   phone and assuming zero normal use (i.e. emergencies only, etc.).
NOT TRUE.  Both companies once offered such plans - but they are not
available any longer (i checked just before Christmas).  Deregulation
of the Cellular companies has elimated those cheap plans.  If you
have one of those plans now, it will not be taken away from you - but
you cannot sign up for them now.  Centel has a 19.95 plan as their
lowest cost plan and Cellular One's lowest price plan is slightly
higher than that.

>
>   As far as rates go in general, remember that cellular phone service
>   is regulated by the State Utilities Commission.  While breakover
>   points in rate plans may vary slightly (Centel does not offer a
>   one hour plan, for example, but does offer a 75 minute plan) the
>   general cost of service is going to be pretty comparable at all
>   times.  
I'm not sure this is true either - deregulation and such.

>
>o  A final comment about buying a phone for cheap.  Most phones can
>   be purchased at a reasonable price if you buy a prepackage rate
>   plan.  I know of NO "cheap" phone that doesn't sign you up for
>   at least 30 minutes of time each month, typically more like an
>   hour.  Also, be careful of duration of contract.  The standard
>   is for one year, but you can find deals that look good until you
>   see you must sign up for a two year or more contract.  Also, 
>   be sure that you read the contract carefully, and assure yourself
>   that the carrier cannot change the rates on your at their
>   discretion without offering you an out on the contract.
Actually, you can purchase phones for around $99 (maybe less) that
have 6 month contracts with the lowest ($19.95 rate at Centel and 15 minutes 
of air time).     


One point I didn't mention previously.  Check those plans carefully.
For example, the centel 19.95 plan gives you 15 minutes of air time.
Additional time is 60 cents per minute during peak time and 20 cents
at off peak.  The next higher cost program gives you 30 minutes
at 50 cents a minute for extra time - but no off peak discount.



-- 
Darrell Massengill    Manager of Image Processing   SAS Institute Inc.
massengi@unx.sas.com  (919) 677-8000 x7658          SAS Campus Dr, Cary, NC