The forms of mobile phones continue to grow, ranging from folding phones, camera phones to mobile phones equipped with music and applications. Thanks to cell phones, we can all communicate and connect with other people around the world. Mobile phones have now become a major need for teenagers as well as adults, especially at work, school, and for socializing.
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Part 1 of 3: Finding the Best Subscription Rates
Step 1. Research several cell phone carriers in your area
Each mobile phone operator has varying rates. Visit the mobile phone operator's website, or go directly to their nearest outlet to ask for information on the services offered. You can also read reviews or ask other people who have used the operator's services before.
The number of users of a mobile operator is an indicator of the best mobile operator in your area
Step 2. Find the operator with the widest network coverage
A good company must be able to provide reliable coverage and reception. Generally this means that cell phone carriers must have the most cell towers in order to cover a wider area so that your calls are not dropped while you are moving from region to region and can still use the service in sparsely populated or underground locations.
- Most countries have a map containing all the cell towers used by cell phone carriers. You can search for this map on the internet. A good cell phone carrier should have the most towers in the area or where you live.
- A company may advertise subscription rates with great deals. But this does not mean they have a reliable network. Great deals are only useful if you are able to make and receive calls wherever you are.
- If you travel a lot, choose a carrier that provides national or international coverage.
Step 3. Evaluate the mobile operator's data network speed
Just like network coverage, data coverage also depends on your region and carrier. Data services are useful if you will be using the internet on your phone or if you are using a smartphone.
- Compare data network speeds between carriers. This information can usually be found from their website or sales force. The higher the number of kilobits per second (kbps) of a data service, the higher your data upload and download speed.
- Technology continues to evolve. The latest "G" data or Generation of mobile technology is the fastest connection. However, not all phones can support the latest and fastest data connection.
Step 4. Determine the right mobile subscription rate for you
The rate you choose will determine what type of phone you can use, what you can do with it, how long you have to use your carrier, and how much you have to pay each month. Choose a subscription rate that fits your budget, but still allows you to have the features you want to use on your phone. Some of these common features include:
- Call: How many minutes of call time are offered per month? How much does it cost to make a longer call? Will this phone quota be added to the next month if it is not used? Some operators set a certain time or day to be able to call or be called indefinitely. Some carriers also offer unlimited free calling.
- SMS: These days, SMS is the most important feature that should be in a cell phone. Most carriers offer free SMS without a limit or a certain number. Note that in the US some carriers may charge a fee just to unlock SMS.
- Data Usage: The operator offers the amount of data that can be used each month for downloading and uploading to the internet. Generally this amount ranges from 1 MB to unlimited.
- Voicemail: Usually you are charged an additional fee to use this feature. This feature is especially useful when you can't always answer calls. However, calling the voice mailbox can be considered a use of call time.
- Caller ID: Caller ID is very important in this day and age. Most subscription rates offer the caller ID that many users expect.
- Contract: Most rates require you to sign a contract for one to three years with one of the mobile operators. Usually, you will receive a discount on the purchase of this phone. However, you must pay the mobile phone subscription rate for as long as the contract is in effect, along with additional feature fees and taxes.
- Family Package: If several members of your family use mobile phones, it is more economical to use the family plan. The monthly calling, data and SMS quota is shared among your family members who use mobile phones.
Step 5. Purchase a prepaid cell phone subscription rate
If you have a bad credit history, or want to save money, or want to have a cell phone without a contract, try prepaid rates. However, this subscription rate has several drawbacks, including:
- Cell phones are generally not discounted and must be purchased in cash, although some older models are relatively inexpensive.
- Signal coverage is not a top priority for operators. While you can choose the operator that has the best coverage for your area, contract users will be prioritized when it comes to getting a signal.
- The quality of customer service may be lacking.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Phone
Step 1. Choose a classic phone if your cellular needs are mediocre
For example, if you just want to call and text your friends and family, use an easy-to-use cell phone. This phone has a variety of models, such as a folding phone design or a sliding keyboard.
- The cost of classic cell phones is much lower. Some contract rates even offer cell phones for free.
- Classic phones are quite durable. This phone is perfect if you drop your phone a lot or have to use it in unstable situations. You don't have to worry about your phone being easily damaged like a smart phone.
- If you're a parent and want a simple wireless phone, the classic phone is the best choice. Some phones also have a larger keypad that makes it easier to use to make calls.
Step 2. Buy a smartphone
Smartphones are much like mini computers and are the most popular choice of mobile phones for consumers. Smartphones have touch screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, high resolution cameras, and have different operating systems (SO). The most popular SO phones are:
- iOS Apple: This OS has the most diverse content and applications, known for its ease and beautiful user interface. These phones are most popular with average consumers who just want to capture content (such as watching videos, playing games, or connecting with friends) rather than creating content for professional use. For these reasons, many professionals choose another OS.
- Android: Android offers more flexibility to developers or those who want to customize the look and feel of this OS. This OS is highly customizable if you understand the basics of technology, also useful if you want to develop applications.
- Windows: If you are a business owner, this SO might be for you. Windows integrates many Windows applications such as Microsoft Office, Exchange, and the cloud. There are more features offered to further create and customize documents.
Step 3. Consider an alternative phone such as a tablet or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
PDAs aren't very popular these days, but more modern phone models like the Blackberry are perfect if your main goal is to surf the internet without thinking about all the extra features like a smartphone. Tablets have larger screens and have the flexibility and closeness of being leaner towards a desktop or laptop, but with the convenience of a smartphone.
Part 3 of 3: Using Mobile
Step 1. Create a contact list
Collect the phone numbers of the people you talk to. For smart phones, there is an application or icon with a picture of a phone or the words "Phone". Tap to view your contacts and/or tap this button to add a contact (which is usually indicated by a "+" symbol). Enter your contact information and phone number with the keypad, then save. For classic phones, just type in the phone number in question, then press the button to add it to contacts.
- Some phones have different tabs, such as favorite numbers, recent calls, contacts, keypad, and voicemail tabs.
- Read your phone's instructions. How to create a contact can be slightly different on each SO. How to create contacts for Android phones is different from iPhone and Windows.
Step 2. Make a call by selecting or dialing a specific number and pressing the " send " or " call " button
This button is often marked with a green letter or symbol. Proceed the same as any other phone.
- End the call by pressing " end " which is indicated by a red letter or symbol. Calls will usually end automatically after the person you're talking to hangs up, but it's a good idea to keep this button pressed, especially since some calls cost minutes.
- You can view missed or recent calls in the phone application on a smartphone, or by looking through the menus on a classic phone. There are options to view call source details, call time, option to call back, and save new contacts.
Step 3. Set up a voice mailbox
Most phones have a button that instantly dials the voice mailbox. If you can't find this key, hold down "1" on the keypad to dial voicemail. Follow system prompts to create your password, record name announcements, and/or record greetings.
- If you do not wish to record your own greeting, the system will use the existing greeting and adjust it using your recorded name.
- You can change your password, name, and greeting at any time by dialing the voicemail number and following the prompts menu.
- When you receive a voice message, your smartphone will alert you or display a notification. Call the voicemail number or hold down "1" to access the mailbox. Enter your password and listen to the incoming voicemail. Follow the instructions, such as instructions for calling a number, saving a message or deleting a message.
Step 4. Send SMS
Most phones list the inbox or messaging app as "Messages" or "Messaging". You can create a new message from Create a New Message, or select a contact from the contact list, tap the options button, then look for options to send a message to that contact.
- On classic phones without a QWERTY keyboard, you'll need to learn to use T9 or predictive text to type messages.
- Smartphones will have a variety of messaging apps that can be downloaded and used. Some messaging apps use your carrier's mobile network to send messages. Others use the internet or your data quota.
Step 5. Lock your keypad or smartphone to keep it safe from theft or make calls when kept in your pocket
Every phone and OS has a different way of locking the keypad. For example, Apple iOS 8 and above and iPhone 5 and above offer Touch ID which will read your fingerprint to unlock the phone. While other smart phones will only ask for a password or a 4-digit number. Check how to lock your phone from your phone settings or instructions.
- For most classic phones, locking the keypad is not a form of security but a precautionary measure against making calls while in your pocket. This is not a problem if you have a foldable phone. But if not, most phones can be locked by pressing the menu button and then quickly followed by an asterisk. To unlock, press the key indicated on the phone, then press the asterisk.
- If you're worried about theft, most smartphones have their own app or steps to find a stolen phone.
Step 6. Connect the phone to the Wi-Fi network
Most classic phones can't connect to Wi-Fi but have to use data to connect to the internet. On a smartphone, by connecting it to Wi-Fi you are no longer using data, no longer limited by data quota.
- iPhone: Tap the Settings icon, then tap the Wi-Fi bar. Turn on Wi-Fi if you haven't already, then select a network from the list below it. Enter the password if this network is password protected. Tap Join.
- Android: From the main screen, tap the Apps icon and then open the Settings app. Make sure the Wi-Fi master control is in the top right corner. Select an available Wi-Fi network. Enter the password if this network is password protected. Tap the Connect button.
- Windows: Swipe left to reveal App List, tap Settings then Wi-Fi. Make sure Wi-Fi is on, then select an available Wi-Fi network. Enter the password if this network is protected. Tap Done.
- Once connected to a Wi-Fi network, its symbol will appear in the status bar of the phone. For most phones, this symbol will replace the data symbol "G", indicating that the phone is no longer using data.
Step 7. Learn how to download the app
Most smartphones have a series of pre-downloaded apps, one of which is in the app store of the phone's operating system. Tap this icon and browse or search for the app you want to use. You may need to set up an account first to be able to download the app. The phone will ask you to set up an account which often asks for your personal information and payment options.
- iPhone using the App Store app. The user must set up an Apple ID.
- Android using the Google Play Store app.
- Windows install apps from the Windows Store.
- Some apps must be purchased with money. Make sure you have the correct payment information in your account. Take care that other people don't use your phone or account to download apps. Usually before downloading a paid app you have to enter a password which aims to protect you from unwanted purchases.
- Some apps offer in-app purchases or options to receive more features in downloaded apps.
- Classic phones usually don't have an app store to download apps, but instead come with a set of download apps. Some of the latest classic phone models also have game, picture, or music apps.
Step 8. Charge the phone regularly by connecting it to a charger
The phone displays a battery indicator that will tell you the percentage or remaining battery time. Most phones will give a warning or reminder when the battery is almost empty.
Purchase a variety of chargers, such as car chargers, dock chargers for your home audio system, or additional chargers
Tips
- Most subscription rates use up your phone quota every time you use their service, including checking your voicemail, receiving a phone call, or even calling someone who doesn't answer.
- Lock the keypad when not using your phone, or set it to lock automatically. If the keypad is locked, you must press a certain sequence of keys before you can use your phone. This is not only useful for your safety, but also useful for preventing the phone from accidentally making a call when it is stored in a pocket or in a bag.
Warning
- Most contract rates specify an early termination fee. Plan your subscription budget and rates very carefully if you buy a long term rate.
- Avoid dropping or using the phone near water, as the phone may be damaged. Some phones do come with a warranty, but that usually doesn't cover physical damage.
- Do not drive while using a cell phone. Pull over or use hands-free to make calls while driving. Most cars have a program to set up the phone and allow you to make calls and verbally check messages.
