Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Cell Phone Providers.

Ratings

Plans

A cell phone plan should come with a number of practical features, including call waiting, call forwarding, Bluetooth (internet connectivity), text messaging and more.

Minutes/Features

Service providers should offer extensive coverage areas, including nationwide coverage and exceptional service in metropolitan areas. All of the cell phone providers we reviewed offer off-network coverage (which generally extends to cover the entire continental United States), but this feature often includes additional charges.

Fees

A good cell phone provider should offer plans with a good minute-to-dollar ratio. Coverage charges should be minimal, and the cell phone plan may include free mobile-to-mobile minutes, free long distance and similar features.

Included in Basic Plan

Cell phone providers should offer extensive customer support, including phone support, an online FAQs page, live chat and an email contact address.

Plans

Free Phone Included

Some providers offer a free phone when you sign up for a plan. We looked at the number of free phones and the selection of phones that come with the service.

Pre-Paid Plans

Pay-as-you-go plans, where there are no preset minutes and you just pay for each minute at a fixed price.

Individual Plans

Cell phone plans designed for an individual.

Family Plans

One primary plan with additional lines for each extra consumer.

Data Plans

Access your email, corporate intranet and the Internet by wirelessly connecting your phone to the Internet.

Minutes/Features

Free Nights and Weekend Minutes

Minutes used during a specific time period when you are within your calling area.

Mobile to Mobile Minutes

Minutes used for calls made or received from people using the same provider.

Rollover Minutes

If you don’t use all your monthly minutes, the unused minutes roll over to the next month.

Free Incoming Minutes

The provider will not deduct minutes for any incoming calls.

Text Messaging

The cell phone provider offers the option to send text messages to a smartphone, pager, PDA or other handheld device.

Free Domestic Long Distance

You will not incur additional long distance fees for calls made to anywhere in the United States from within your calling area.

Does Not Round Minutes Up

If you start a new minute during a call then it always counts as a full minute.

Coverage Area Map

Shows the area of the United States to which the carrier provides service.

Check Your Minutes

Instantly check your used and remaining minutes through your phone.

Fees

Roaming Charges

The amount per minute cell phone providers charge for calls made outside of your calling area while off your provider’s network.

Activation Fee

A one-time activation fee to begin your service. This fee typically appears on your first bill from the carrier.

Contract Length

The length of time the carrier requires you to keep and pay for wireless service. There are usually cancellation fees if you cancel service before a contract term expires.

Early Termination Fee

The amount you will be required to pay if you cancel your service with the carrier before the end of the contract term.

Days to Return Phone & Cancel Service

The number of days before you can cancel your service agreement without incurring an early termination fee.

Included in Basic Plan

Voice Mail

Mobile and cellular voice message services, used when the user is unavailable or has the phone powered off.

Numeric Paging

The most widely used type of paging. The caller simply calls your pager phone number and enters the number where you can reach them.

Caller ID

Displays the name and/or number of the calling party on either a wireless phone screen or a separate device (as is often the case with a fixed-line phone). Virtually all digital phones have this capability, which may be activated by a wireless service provider.

Call Waiting

A tone notifies you of another incoming call. If you choose not to answer call waiting, most services then forward the call to voice mail. If you don’t have voice mail, the second call goes unanswered.

Call Forwarding

Allows you to forward your incoming calls to another phone number. For example, you can forward your home phone number to your cell number if you know you are going to be away from home.

3-Way Calling

Allows you and two other people to join in on one phone call.

Conference Calling

Allows you to connect to multiple numbers, which then creates a conference call between the multiple parties.

Text Messaging

The option to send out text messages to a smart phone, pager, PDA or other handheld device.

Picture/Video Messaging

Allows wireless handsets to receive picture messaging as well as text messaging.

No Credit Checks

Some cell phone providers do a credit check before offering you service.

Walkie-Talkie

Allows you to use your phone like a walkie-talkie.

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