Finding the Right Cell Phone Service and Consumer Rights

There are many reasons to try to find the best cell phone plan and service before you commit to a long term wireless service contract. One major reason is that signing a cell phone contract is a gamble. In the linked article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the author of the "Know Your Rights" Column explains that there is no right to clear quality cellular service. There is no guarantee that your calls will be placed and you will get good service. you may have good coverage in some areas and spotty service in others.

According to the article, all cellular service providers are really required to do is use clear billing and make sure calls to 911 are completed. Otherwise, they just have to try their best to provide good service.

There is some debate that mergers, like the proposed AT&T buyout of T-Mobile, may affect the quality of service. Some industry experts believe that combining overlapping spectrum can result in better services. Others speculate that these mergers normally requiring relinquishing some licenses, which results in abandoning some of that spectrum.

Another issue entirely is the price and value of these wireless plans. For example, if AT&T drops some of T-Mobile's cheap cell phone plans, that could hurt consumers even more than the increased quality in the network.

What can you do to make sure you receive quality wireless service? There are many things you can do, including "try before you buy." Most carriers have a no-obligation 14 or 30 day period at the beginning of the contract. You can test the service out and use use your phone at all the locations you will need it.

However, I really think your best option is finding your best cell phone deal before you buy anything. Read reviews. Talk to your friends and family about their wireless service. Read websites that compare different plan features and price. Check your zip code to make sure the plan covers your service area. Most carriers are pretty good about offering service where they can provide good coverage. However, there have been allegations in the news that some internet providers and wireless carriers oversell their coverage in hopes that consumers will pay high termination fees. Don't let that happen to you.