NFIB

Coverage Is as Important as Price in Wireless Service
04/ 15/ 2002

If you're considering purchasing or switching wireless phone service, you're probably already well aware that finding the best company for your needs is not an exact science. But by following a few common-sense points, as discussed in today's Workshop by contributor Jeffrey Moses, you can be assured of at least some degree of wireless satisfaction.

There are two main variables when it comes to purchasing wireless service: area coverage and price. Many people purchase solely on price, then find that the signal strength of their phone is weak in certain parts of their area -- or that they are unable to place calls at all from certain areas. Ultimately, most users come to realize that for practical purposes coverage is the single most important aspect to consider when purchasing a wireless plan.

When it comes to coverage, always remember that the little maps and diagrams your provider shows you don't mean a thing. Only the true actual coverage that you experience is important.

For instance, many people purchase wireless service thinking that their coverage area will be adequate, just because the service's promised coverage area includes the geographic regions from where most of the calls will be made. But actual experience may reveal that coverage is spotty in places, meaning that some calls will fade in and out while driving, or even while moving from one area of the office to another. Sometimes the signal is so weak in certain areas that calls can't be made or received. Some people even discover that their wireless service won't work from their own homes, even when their homes are right in the middle of the promised coverage area. Above all else, you want to eliminate the possibility that you find yourself in a dead zone when your car has broken down, or in an outright emergency.

Based on this fact of wireless coverage, there are several specific steps to take before purchasing a plan:

1. Talk with friends and associates about their experiences with various services. Ask how their coverage is (and note the service provider they use). Issues to ask about include: how strong the signal is in different parts of the coverage area (especially areas in which you'll be using the phone); if there are echoes, sudden drop-offs in sound quality, or patches of static while traveling; and if coverage is still strong when at the edges of the home or roaming areas. All service providers have somewhat different coverage, based on locations of towers and permits, so you may discover that certain providers don't match up with your needs.

2. Even when a service representative assures you that coverage will be adequate in your desired calling area (some can even type in your zip code and print out maps for coverage areas), you may find that your particular travel routes and usage patterns may render coverage inadequate. For this reason, always try before you buy. Purchase a plan with a 14-day money-back guarantee, then talk as much as you can during that two-week window. Make calls from your office, your home, from all the travel routes you take, from friends' and relatives' homes, from the mall, from the babysitter's, from the video rental -- and call at all times day and night. Ideally, your service provider should offer to take the phone back if you're not satisfied, although you may have to pay for a month's service.

3. Keep your ears open to developments among wireless companies in your area. New towers and other upgrades can enable a specific provider to offer much better service.

Today's article did not cover various components often considered when purchasing wireless coverage, such as the definitions of and distinction between home and roaming areas, off-hour calling, long-distance charges, etc. These variables should be discussed in detail with your representative before purchasing any plan.

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