Consumer Encyclopedia

Cell phones

Cell phones (or mobile phones or wireless phones)

Few industries have grown as quickly as the wireless phone industry, which claims there are more than 200 million wireless phone lines in the United States.

Most cell phone complaints made to the Attorney General's Office involve long-term contracts. When shopping for a phone:

• Read your contract — know exactly what you're signing. Keep a copy.
• Thoroughly try out your phone when you first get it. Most contracts allow you to cancel your plan in the first few weeks if you're unsatisfied.
• Document any conversations you have with the phone provider or retail store.
• If you upgrade or change your plan, ask what will happen to your contract. Upgrading to more minutes or a better phone often means your contract will be extended.
• Ask about monthly or prepaid plans. They usually are higher-priced, but you won't have the problems associated with a long-term contract.

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