Is Your Cell Phone Company Ripping You Off?
What cell phone carrier do you use? Perhaps, you have to use this carrier because it’s the only one that has service in your area.
Most people go into the store, Walmart, Target, or Best Buy to get their cell phones. Are they giving you the best price on a new phone? Is free actually FREE? Why would these big stores carry cell phones and providers for those phones? Do you think maybe they are making some money off those phones and plans?
People tell me “Yeah Dave but what can I do about it?” Actually, you can do something about it. Start by comparing plans and services that work in your area. Find the phone you want that works on the service or multiple services.
“Multiple services what’s that?” I’m sure you’ve seen an advertisement that says “UNLOCKED “. Yes you can have a phone on multiple services like ATT and Verizon. However, that’s not the best part. Buy your phone outright. Why because your bill will be cheaper. Now you have the power in your hands to go to any phone carrier you want. Use this leverage when adding your plan. Here’s a breakdown in steps.
1. Buy a smartphone that works on multiple carriers. “Unlocked” eBay has a good selection of new and used.
2. Search online for a carrier that has coverage in the areas you need it to work. Work, school, shopping etc. Don’t worry too much about the service at home.
3. Make sure your phone has WiFi. GPS is a plus and on most newer phones. You’ll need wifi for WiFi calling at home and possibly work.
4. Now that you have all those things let’s pick out a plan that cost the least but gives you what you want. Global calling, texting, voice mail.
5. Let’s call the phone carrier on a different phone. I usually don’t cancel my old phone until the new one is activated.
6. The phone service will ask you a few questions about your new phone like the model and brand. However, what they need is the IMEI Number. You can find it in the settings/ about phone section on Android phones. Apple phones:Dial *#06#: Open the dialer and type *#06# on .
7. The cell phone carrier will FedEx you a SIM card ASAP. Usually, I get mine in two days or less. They don’t want you to change your mind so you’ll get it fast.
8. When the new SIM card arrives it is really easy to install. If you need help check out a YouTube on installing it in your phone.
8. Now call back the carrier and let them know the new Sims card is installed in the phone that is” NOT TURNED ON”.
9. The carrier will walk you through the activation process. At this time let them know what basic plan you want the phone subscription. Keep to your guns and only get what you need.
10. Smartphones are “SMART” and can save you money. Under setting turn on wifi calling. Now you can call anywhere in the world 🌎 for free.
11. Most texting apps will also use wifi.
12. Optional: you can add security to calling and texting by using an encrypted service. However, that’s a whole other blog.
If you run into any trouble you can give me a call. I’m usually on my wifi phone. Lastly don’t throw out the old cell phone it’s very useful around the house.
DTNG LLC.
Dave Borgne 810 294-0355
davethenerdguy@gmail.com
