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Recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of wireless phones. Whether you're walking down the street next to someone who's working on a big business deal or sitting next to someone who's politely turning their phone off at the movie theater, you're bound to encounter a wireless phone user nearly everywhere you go. The increasing number of people using wireless phones can be attributed in large part to the number of phone and plan options available. With the array of selections you'll have to choose from at RadioShack, you'll have no trouble finding one that suits your lifestyle. |
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Finding the right wireless plan and phone
When it comes to selecting a wireless plan and phone, you have a wide array of options to select from. Each plan detail and phone feature is designed to ensure you get exactly what you need. Whether you plan to use your phone strictly for contacting business associates, family and friends or a little of both, there are a few simple questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your choices and pinpoint what will best meet the demands of your busy life. Start by answering the following questions:
• How frequently will I use my wireless phone?
• Where, when and who will I be calling?
• What features and options will be helpful to me?
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Understanding wireless technology and terms
Answering those questions will be much easier if you have a basic understanding of how wireless technology works, what types of phones are available and what options you have when it comes to selecting a plan. It is also highly useful to have some familiarity with the terminology associated with wireless phones. Consult RadioShacks Glossary of Wireless Terms for an easily accessible, alphabetical listing of key terms and definitions.
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Options and services
Of course, todays wireless phones can do much more than just send and receive phone calls. They can be used to send short text messages to friends and colleagues or to access your various e-mail accounts when youre away from your computer. Phones with wireless Web access enable you to get weather updates, information and real-time sports scores. For even more enjoyment, models that give you instant access to games, downloadable ringtones, satellite radio, MP3 playback and video clips provide a diverse collection of multimedia content youll be able to enjoy wherever you happen to be.
Wireless technology is constantly evolving, with new features and content being added all the time. Having a wireless phone that allows you to grow with emerging technology and take advantage of new developments will make your life both more efficient and entertaining while giving you access to a whole world of information right at your fingertips.
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A brief introduction to wireless technology
When it comes to choosing a new wireless phone, the most important thing you want to know is that your phone will work whenever and wherever you need it. Once you sign up for a wireless service plan, you are instantly connected to a vast network that makes it possible for you to place phone calls, send text messages and even view the latest news headlines over the wireless Web.
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Digital wireless networks
Wireless networks are comprised of a series of strategically located transmitters, or towers, that use radio waves to send and receive information. Every time you use your phone, it is sending out a wireless signal via these radio waves which are then bounced from transmitter to transmitter until they reach their destination, all in the blink of an eye.
With the advent of digital technology, wireless phone networks were able to utilize a superior system that delivers a crystal clear signal, realistic sound and faster data transfer speeds, among other benefits. Functions such as wireless Web access, multimedia content and the ability to check your e-mail right from your phone are a direct result of the ever-increasing capabilities of digital networks. Analog signal reception, a much older technology, is still available in remote areas and comes in handy in regions where digital signal reception is not always possible.
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The benefits of 3G technology
Wireless carriers are currently in the process of migrating all their standard digital networks to new high-speed digital systems. The term for this burgeoning technology is 3G, or third generation. 3G networks are designed to handle data at much faster rates, giving users access to high-bandwidth content such as videos, streaming music and much more. These networks are already available in most metropolitan markets and are steadily expanding their reach into other areas of the country as well for full, comprehensive coverage.
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Dual-, tri- and quad-band phones and international use
If you frequently travel outside of the country, it is important to remember that different countries operate their wireless phone networks on different frequencies. This means that a phone purchased in one country will not necessarily work in another, unless it is designed to operate on more than one frequency, or band. To solve this problem, phone manufacturers now offer dual-, tri- and even quad-band capability.
Most U.S. dual-band phones operate at 850 and 1900MHz. These frequencies allow for use in the United States, Canada and most of Central and South America. Tri-band phones in the U.S. typically operate on 850, 1800 and 1900MHz frequencies, which enable them to be used in European countries. For more complete usage worldwide, new quad-band phones add the 900MHz wavelength. Travelers who wish to use a wireless phone in Japan, however, will have to rent or buy a separate phone, as Japanese wireless phones operate on different frequencies.
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