Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Choose the right system
Step 2:
Calculate the airtime you'll need
Step 3:
Know when and where you're going to use it
Step 4:
Choose a calling plan
Step 5:
Choose a phone
Step 6:
Read your monthly bill

2torial #0410: Learn2 Shop for a Wireless Phone Calculate the airtime you'll need Most wireless phone plans require you to purchase a minimum amount of airtime each month. Airtime refers to the number of minutes you spend on the phone, including both calls that you initiate and calls that you receive. If you don't use all the minutes on your plan, you're wasting money. If you exceed your pre-paid minutes, you'll pay a higher rate for the additional time--sometimes a much higher rate. Again, you'll waste money. That means you'll have to calculate how much you're going to use your wireless phone, even if you've never had one before. First of all, calculate how many calls you expect to make per week (X), then how many you expect to receive (Y), then add them together. Multiply this number by 2.5--the average time in minutes of a wireless call--and you'll have your per-week air time: 2.5 times (X+Y). Now multiply this figure by 4.3--the average number of weeks in a month--and you'll have a good estimate of the airtime you'll require. Step 3