No-Contract Phones Gaining More Popularity

The most incessantly frustrating cell phone aspect is the obligatory two-year contract and the hefty early termination fee that always goes with it. So it should hardly be unexpected that a new survey of cell phone customers conducted for the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) shows that almost 25 million Americans are seriously considering switching to no contract phone services the next time they purchase a cell phone.

This is not a new trend. In 2009, the NMRC predicted that a shift in consumer preference from expensive, contract-based services to cheaper, no-contract phones was forthcoming. They were proved correct when, in early 2010, it was reported that for the first time, sales of no-contract phones had surpassed sales of contract-based phones among new purchasers. Since then, consumers have continued to support the no-contract phones market, a sentiment confirmed by the results of the NMRC survey.

The survey has found that almost half of U.S. respondents who are currently using a contract based service are at least “somewhat likely” to switch to a no-contract phone the next time they purchase a cell phone. Even among those who did not classify themselves as being somewhat or very likely to make the switch, there is a resounding acceptance of no-contract phones as a viable alternative to contract-based cells. In fact, less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they do not ever see themselves switching to a no-contract phone service. This result overwhelmingly points out the growing popularity of no-contract phones; and this popularity is likely to continue to increase in the future.

So why the massive shift in popularity? Why have people become so accepting of no-contract phones? Analysts believe there are a number of primary reasons. First, no-contract phones help to manage expenses because you can only use what you have already paid for. Many consumers have realized that they do not use their phone for many of the expensive services they would pay for on a contract-based service, such as data downloads, picture messaging and video calls. With no-contract phones, they don’t have to pay for these services if they don’t use them, saving hundreds of dollars. Similarly, people who only want a phone for limited or emergency use are also tending to switch to no-contract phones.

The potential of no-contract phones has long been obvious. However, it is only now that this formerly small market is transforming into a global communication phenomenon.

SIM Card Vs Non-SIM Card Phones

Wireless communication has become an essential part of many people’s lives. Wireless handsets come in different types. There are those that do not use SIM cards such as the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Then there is the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and the Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) that both use SIM cards.

Advantages of SIM card phones over non-SIM card phones:

·         Data Portability: A SIM card is portable in a way that you can remove it and place it in another phone. This can be handy, especially if your battery goes down and you cannot charge the phone. In addition to that, you can also transfer the data that is in your SIM card to your PC. To do this you will need to get a SIM Card Reader. Doing this will help you back up your contacts

·         Ability to change phones: Phones come in different types and designs these days and one may need to upgrade the technology. These phones offer you the ability to use a different or new phone with your old card. If you are using a CDMA phone, you will need to re-enter all your contacts manually, which is rather an outdated procedure and is time consuming.

·         Ability to have more than one phone number: With GSM or iDEN phones you have the ability to have more than one phone number in the same phone as some new phone types offer multiple SIM card support, unlike the CDMA which only holds the programmed numbers.

Advantages of non-SIM card phones over SIM card Phones-

·         Data Security: This is simply because transfer of data is harder. SIM cards can easily be removed from a phone and put into another phone to copy information. This cannot happen with the CDMA phones, as there is no removable storage device.

·         No SIM card damage: Just like any device, SIM cards can get damaged. You do not have to worry about your card getting damaged, which means losing all your data, including contacts. But you can always get a replacement from your service provider at a fee. You will also be charged an additional fee if you need to get a printout of your call log information to retrieve lost contacts.

While GSM is the most used worldwide, CDMA and iDEN still remain common in the United States. However, due to slow speeds, they are not as popular as GSM phones.

Get Free Cell Phones By Testing New Releases

Buying a state-of-the-art cell phone or smartphone is an expensive affair, especially if the device is among the latest releases on the market. The prohibitive cost therefore discourages many consumers from getting a new handset. They may opt to wait until the demand goes down and prices become more favorable. However, this is not always the case for technology fanatics who may want to have the latest device while it is still hot. If you are among these fanatics, the good news is that it is possible to get free cell phones by participating in various testing programs.

Once a cell phone manufacturer releases a new device with features that have never before been in existence, they partner with the various cellular service providers to test their devices. One such feature was video calling, which was released a few years back. The manufacturer benefits by getting firsthand information on how their devices are able to handle the new features. In addition, they get direct feedback and customer reactions to their new device.

On the other hand, the cellular service providers benefit by having consumers test their network and how it handles the new technologies. Apart from this, offering cell phones free is a great way for the service providers to market themselves and increase their market penetration.

If you want to get a free handset by testing new releases, you must ensure that you stay informed. This is because the offers are usually limited to a few handsets. Do your research on the kinds of cell phones that are about to be released. Also, find out about the various partnerships that device manufacturers have with cellular service providers. In this way you may be able to predict when an offer is likely to be launched by the different manufacturers or service providers.

Additionally, you will need to learn about the various service plans that each of the service providers offer. This is important because any free handset that is offered must be accompanied by a service plan that you must subscribe to once you accept the free handset. Most consumers prefer to participate in promotions that offer prepaid plans, as they do not require scrutiny of their credit history.

If you have no qualms about your credit history being checked, then you will have an opportunity to participate in all the plans offered, such as the pay-as-you-go, prepaid or postpaid plans.

Wi-Fi for Small Business Growth

In order for your small business to grow, you will need to take advantage of Wi-Fi. There are many opportunities that could be opened for your business if you make the initial step of installing this service. WiFi calling is just one of these services, and can go a long way to improve your business capability, and allow you to reach your full potential. Wi-Fi calling is a relatively new service which employs the use of high-speed Internet to make calls. This has made calling cheaper, and anyone who has used this service will tell you that calling abroad has never been easier.

Wi-Fi for your business will guarantee high speed Internet access, which will improve efficiency at your place of business. There is nothing worse than having to wait a long time for a page to load, and this can be both time wasting and de-motivating for the user. Having a high speed Internet connection will ensure that you are using your computer to its fullest ability, and will do wonders for your daily work load.

Another thing to think about with Wi-Fi is that you are using a wireless network, which means that more than one computer can be on the Internet at the same time. This improves on efficiency, and gives employees more room to maximize their potential. Furthermore, there is added flexibility with Wi-Fi networks, which means that you can work from any location you please without being limited by a cable from a wall.

Having a Wi-Fi connection can no doubt positively impact your business. There are many situations that you will find Wi-Fi working for you, and will help you reach your maximum potential. Wi-Fi calling is one of the ways that you can maximize this potential. Because making calls abroad is much cheaper using this service, it means that you can conduct your business abroad without any problems. This allows for maximized profits on your end, and cost cutting for your business.

Anyone will tell you that making international calls is nothing short of an expensive affair. This has however, changed with the coming of Wi-Fi calling, which is a cheap and easy to use service that will allow you to save costs. Most smartphones today come with this capability, and will allow you to make calls as you like, as long as you have access to Wi-Fi coverage. Take advantage of this option and see your business grow.