Parents: Save Yourself from a $600 Cell Phone Bill
JACKSON, MS - August 3, 2004 – Cool features like photo messaging, online gaming and text messaging have made cell phones this year's hottest back-to-school item with the 12 to 17 age group. In most cases, however, it is still parents who are paying the monthly bill.
"Cellular phones are hot with teens, but high priced bills aren't so hot with parents," said Jana Long, Cellular South director of marketing. "Parents are using back-to-school shopping as an opportunity to explore their wireless options. They don't want the burden of constantly checking up on their child's minutes and they know all too well how expensive overage charges can be."
Cell phones often are at the center of teens' social networks, forming a means of communication that many teens see as no different from face-to-face meetings, according to a study by Baltimore-based Context, a firm specializing in anthropological research. Other studies indicate that more than a third of teens and pre-teens owned cell phones in 2003, and research predicts that almost half of 11 to 17-year-olds will have their own phones by 2007.
They can indeed be expensive, as one parent learned. The Washington Post recently reported how Devin Walker, father of two talkative teens, was shocked by a $600 cellular phone bill.
"Each month when the cell phone bill comes, parents across the nation live in fear of this scenario," said Long. "That's why Cellular South developed unlimited calling and text messaging plans where users can talk and text all they want for a flat monthly rate. With Unlimited Calling and Unlimited Nationwide Text Messaging, the teen gets a great phone and the parent gets peace of mind and a predictable monthly phone bill."
In addition to Unlimited Nationwide Text Messaging, Cellular South is offering additional features popular with teens including picture messaging, downloadable ringtones, karaoke applications, wallpapers, e-mail, and single and multi-player gaming such as Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. Buckets of data minutes are sold for users to download and use these applications and features.
"Teens want freedom, especially when they reach driving age, but that's also the exact time that parents want control," Long said. "Cell phones provide kids with the freedom to be out with friends and parents with the assurance to know that they are just a phone call away."
Tips for Choosing a Cell Phone & Plan That's Right for Your Teenager
- Realistically outline expectations for teen's cell phone, calling plan and features.
Discuss with your teen how many calls they expect to make a day, which special features they would like to have, and most important, the parents' rules for phone use. - Choose the right price and best coverage.
Share your expectations and budget with salesperson and they can recommend best fit for you. Flat rate pricing is important for calling plans so that you won't be surprised by extra charges at the end of the month. Make sure the carrier you choose has the best network available. The most important aspect of wireless service is to make and receive calls when and where you want, so know where the phone will be used to determine best coverage.
Text messaging, on-line gaming features, ringtones, wallpapers and picture messaging are very popular with teens. Check for flat rate usage charges versus per usage charges. Data minutes are needed for many applications. Phone handsets must also be compatible for data features, if those will be added to the plan.
Research company web sites and newspaper ads, visit retail stores and ask friends and family about their experience with the cell phone company they use. Many wireless companies feature online shopping that is easy and offers a great selection of phones and plans, which can be a convenient option for activating wireless service during the hectic back-to-school season.
Come to an agreement on these important issues before purchase. Program the new cell phone with contact and emergency numbers.
Source: Cellular South, August 2004
About Cellular South
The company is one of the largest privately held wireless providers in the U.S. and is licensed to provide wireless service - to a total population of more than five million people - on its network stretching from the Memphis Metropolitan Area, throughout all of Mississippi, along Coastal Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Destin/Seaside. Cellular South offers a different kind of wireless service based on the simple premise that customers have rights, including the right to a network that works, and service and pricing that is fair and makes sense. For more information, contact Cellular South at 1-877-CSOUTH1 or visit cellularsouth.com.
Contact:
Tanya Rankin, Cellular South (601) 974-7134 trankin@cellularsouth.com
