Cell Phones FAQ
|
© 2008, andrews.com, all rights
reserved
|
There are two FAQ sections here. The one directly below is a General Cell
Phones FAQ, and the second one is specific to ordering cell
phones through our website.
General Cell Phones FAQ:
What's this stuff about recycling or donating my old phone to charity?
Cell phones and cell phone batteries contain hazardous materials that can
pollute the air when incinerated and leach into soil and watersheds when buried
in landfills.
Instead of dumping your old phone in the trash, there are a variety of
charities that will accept your old phone.
Cell Phones
For Soldiers helps troops stationed overseas call home. Local shelters for
abused women often accept cell phone donations.
If your phone is broken or to old to donate, Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples
have drop off recycling boxes in their stores.
Can I sell my old phone?
You might be able to get some cash for your old phone, it depends on the brand
and model. To searching for a company that will give you a good deal start with
this
Google search.
What is a SIM card?
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small memory chip that fits into some
kinds of cell phones (GSM). The SIM carriers your phone number, carrier
information, address book and other data. When you get a new phone, you simply
take this memory chip out of your old phone and put it in your new phone
(assuming the phone is not 'locked' to a different carrier). You can also use a
different carrier and phone number in your current phone by putting a different
chip in (again, assuming your current phone is unlocked).
What are locked/unlocked phones?
When you buy a plan from a carrier that comes with a free or heavily discounted
phone, the carrier will lock the phone so that you can only use it with that
particular carrier.
Most of us use that carrier for the life of the contract and having it locked
is meaningless. However, if you are travelling overseas and want to use your
phone with a different carrier (see our page on
using your phone overseas), or you have some other need
to switch you SIM card to use a different number or different carrier with your
phone, you will need to get it unlocked. A service like
TravelInsider can provide unlocking codes
for many GSM models.
What Is A GSM Phone?
GSM phones use the GSM network and have a SIM card in them. The card carries
your data, such as your phone book, your number and carrier information. You
can switch the SIM card to another compatible phone and all your data, your
number, and your cell phone plan, can be used on that phone. Likewise, a
different SIM card can be used in your phone, with different data, or with a
different carrier (assuming your phone is unlocked). Phones from T-Mobile and
AT&T are GSM.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology that replaces cables. If you have
a Bluetooth phone and Bluetooth handsfree headset, you can use the headset to
make you calls and you don't have to have a cable between the phone and
headset. The devices communicate wirelessly. Other uses include hands free car
sets, syncing data between your cell phone and computer, sending images to your
computer, etc.
Can I use my phone outside the U.S?
Maybe. Please see our article on
using your phone outside of the US.
Why doesn't my battery stay charged as long as it used too?
Most modern cell phones use lithium ion batteries. They last about 400 recharge
cycles, and gradually lose their ability to recharge sufficiently. If your
phone is a couple of years old and the battery isn't charging up well, it may
be time for a new one. Contact your carrier, the phone's manufacturer, or try
this
Google search for cell phone battery suppliers.
What are the heath risks of using a cell phone?
First of all, don't use your cell phone when driving, because as health risks
go, that's the major one.
As for cancer or other similar health risks, there is currently no scientific
proof that there is a risk. There are some studies that suggest possible risk,
and other studies that show those are wrong. So what do you do?
You may be able to reduce the strength and duration of your exposure to
electromagnetic and high frequency fields by limiting the time you spend on a
cell phone, and some suggest using a hands free kit helps by keeping the high
powered cell phone transmitter farther away from your head.
Can a phone without service plan still be used to call 911?
Yes, as long as it has power and a signal, you can use a phone that doesn't
have a service plan to dial 911. For example, you can keep a phone with a
cigarette lighter power cord in your car for emergency use. Don't use a really
ancient phone for this though, as some old phones used a network frequency that
is no longer available.
How can I get a better signal in my home or office?
In an office environment, you might look into getting a cell phone signal
repeater. Here is a
Google search on those.
They tend to be a pricey solution for home use though. They start at $300 or
more. Another possibility is to set up a 'hotspot' in your home for a voip
connection. I'm in the process of writing an article on that issue - check back
for that in a little while.
Should I turn the phone off when recharging it?
You can, but you don't need too. You can leave it on and take/make calls while
it's charging with no ill effects. I know, I've seen that email too... the one
that says the phone will blow up. That's an urban legend that gets passed
around by email. Read our
Cell Phone
Myths page for more on that.
Ordering From Our Site FAQ:
Is Ordering Through Your Site Safe?
Your order is placed through a system that is state of the art, uses a VeriSign
SSL (secure sockets layer) Certificate, carries the TRUSTe Certified Privacy
Seal, and is tested and certified daily to pass the McAfee Secure Security
Scan.
If you would prefer, you can also call in your order. Just go to the 'details
and ordering' link for the phone you are interested in, and click on the 'order
by phone' link.
But just as important as all the high tech stuff, is that you are doing
business with a legitimate company. Simplexity, our vender, is the leading
online seller of wireless services and devices in America today.
Can I Order By Phone?
Yes. Just click through to the phone details page and then the 'order by phone'
link for the phone number.
How Can I Track My Order?
Whether it's in the processing phase, being packed, or traveling across the
country on it's way to you, you'll be able to log in to a secure website and
see where it's at. Your secure tracking site and password will be emailed to
you when you order.
Can I Keep My Current Phone Number?
In most cases you can. Make sure you select that option on your order form as
you place your order.
How much is shipping?
All phones are shipped for free.
Will I Need To Pay A Deposit?
Carriers perform credit checks on each new customer, that happens whether you
order from our site, from a retail store, or from the carrier themselves.
Sometimes carriers require a deposit after reviewing the credit check. If the
carrier requires a deposit, we will let you know via email and through your
order tracking page.
Can I Return My Phone If I'm Not Satisfied?
Yes. Your get a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you receive your phone and you
don't like it for any reason, you can turn around and send it right back for an
exchange or refund. The time frame and conditions for returns do vary somewhat
depending on the carrier. The return and exchange procedures will located on
your sales receipt. You are still responsible for airtime and usage charges
generated before the phone is returned.
|
|
|
