Consumer Tips on Navigating
Technology
University of Wyoming
Joel Kelsey, Policy Analyst
September 25th, 2008
Overview
• Television and Internet Service
– Competition slowly heating up
– Cable, Satellite or Teleco: Sorting through the bundle
• Cell Phone Service – Hear US Now!
– Cell phone plans untangled: 5 ways to cut you bill
– Cell phone problems and solutions
Television and Internet
• Competition is Growing
– Phone companies (telecos) are rolling out fiber-optic
networks to handle more HD TV, voice, and internet
– Service areas are still limited
– Not doing much to reduce the cost of TV service
• Cable, Satellite or Teleco?
CABLE
PROS
1. Few or no upfront costs
or contracts
2. Local broadcasts
3. Best for video on
demand
CONS
1. Limited bandwidth
prevents internet usage
and addition of new HD
channels
2. Horrible customer
service
SATELLITE
PROS
1. More satisfying to
customers than cable
2. Most HD content
available
CONS
1. Bad weather can knock
out reception
2. Must acquire equipment
TELECO
PROS
1. Highest bandwidth
2. Highest scores on
consumer satisfaction
CONS
1. Limited availability
2. Contracts and extensive
installation
TIPS TO CHOOSE
•
•
•
•
Determine what’s avaliable
Consider equipment and contracts
Find a lineup that suits you
Decide on a package, check your bill, haggle when
promotion is over!
Wireless Plans Untangled
• Alltell – Top in customer service, connectivity and best
consumer friendly features
• AT&T – Home of the iPhone, but trails other carriers in
almost all respects
• Sprint – Bottom ranked due to spotty service and low
customer service
• T-Mobile – Solid performer, often offers more for your $$
• Verizon – Among the better carriers this year, a standout in
connectivity
Five Ways to Cut Your Bill
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Look into special caller deals.
Avoid overage charges.
Control usage of others on your plan.
Shop around for the extras.
Consider a prepaid phone.
PROBLEM - SOLUTION
PROBLEM – Poor Coverage
SOLUTION –
Listen to our readers’ experiences.
Check the signal strength down to street level in areas where
you‘ll use the phone most frequently. Interactive online
coverage maps, offered by most carriers except Alltel,
provide some guidance as to what you can expect.
PROBLEM - SOLUTION
PROBLEM – Early Termination Fees
SOLUTION –
Attack this problem based on your specific circumstances.
Try to negotiate a waiver.
You might also consider transferring your contract:
www.celltradeusa.com or www.cellswapper.com. The
person who takes over your phone and service becomes
responsible for future payments, and you walk away.