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2torial #0410:
Learn2 Shop for a
Wireless Phone
 Choose the right system
Not all wireless phones are created equal. In
fact, phones operate on three distinct systems,
each with its own set of advantages and
disadvantages. Before proceeding any further,
decide which system best fits your needs.
Analog: As the oldest wireless system,
analog is also the best established, with service
covering some 95 percent of the United States. If
you need to use your phone in remote corners of the
planet, the analog system may be for you. In
addition, the phones themselves are less expensive
than digital and PCS phones. But the analog system
has one big drawback: per-minute rates are much
higher. This is not ideal if you plan to log a lot of time
on the system.
Digital cellular: Digital wireless phones
have a number of advantages over their analog
counterparts. First, connections, once established,
tend to be clearer and stronger. Second, per-minute
charges are lower. And finally, digital phones
require less energy, so phone batteries last
longer.
But the digital system does have disadvantages.
First, the reach of digital phones is not as wide
as analog phones. They're generally fine for large-
and medium-sized cities, but not for rural areas.
In addition, the digital network is actually made
up of several different systems, some of which can
be incompatible. That means service can be spotty
at times, even in a big city. Finally, digital
phones can cost upwards of $100 (U.S.) more than analog
phones.
Despite the drawbacks, digital wireless phones
are a good choice for business people or anyone who
logs a lot of time on the phone. And unless you
travel to fairly remote places, you won't
experience much interruption in service.
PCS: Entirely digital, the Personal
Communications Service (PCS) system has the same
advantages and disadvantages of the digital
cellular system, even though it operates on a
higher frequency and with a different network
system. Advantages include: lower per-minute costs;
one free minute on incoming calls; clear
connections; and longer battery life. On the
downside, the PCS system is connected to only about
70 percent of American households, whereas the
analog system reaches some 90 percent.
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