Cellular Back Door Tips & Tricks
Great ideas you'll never get from your wireless carrier

TIP #1: "SECRET" PLANS
Almost every carrier has plans they don't advertise. Most of them are cheaper plans that include fewer features than their regular plans. In most cases, the only way to find out about these plans is to press a Customer Service agent for more information. Some plans only 'appear' when you threaten to leave the carrier, although these plans are not supposed to be considered "retention" plans, but that's what they are. Some plans contain discounts for customers who belong to certain groups and aren't really "plans", and these discounts need to be applied to your account. We listed some of these special discounts, below. If you don't want to threaten to cancel, ask if there are offers "to help keep me as a customer."

TIP #2: TEXT MESSAGING WORKS WHEN OTHER METHODS DON'T
When you have a communications problem, like a hurricane, "All Circuits Busy", not enough 'bars' and the like, consider sending a Text Message. It works when trying to contact any other wireless subscriber and all you need is their phone number. This is your backup for when there is a power outage at the cell site, you're in a bad coverage area, or you're at a convention and everybody else is using their phone. This is the way to communicate when severe weather cuts you off. Your phone will 'hold' the message until it can receive a clear signal, then sends it off. Some phones hold the call longer than others, so check periodically to see if the message needs to be re-sent. It is also an inexpensive way to communicate internationally as Text is billed at rates much lower than voice calls. Additionally, you should become aware of how other callers can send a Text Message to you, in case the emergency is at their end.

TIP #3: HOW TO MOVE YOUR CELLULAR SERVICE
If you're moving from one city to another, changing your cellular service doesn't need to be a problem. Follow these steps:
1) Make sure your phone will work in your new location, Check your carrier''s coverage maps or "Locator."
2) If there is coverage, make sure you have a plan that includes "National" coverage...one with no roaming charges.
3) Move to your new location. While you should have coverage, dead spots are possible anywhere. Don't rush any changes, yet.
4) Once you are "settled" it's time to check for coverage in your new home and other frequent locations. OK so far? If not, jump to 6)
5) If you want to keep your old phone number, you can either notify your old carrier of your new address, or just start paying your bill online. If you eventually want to change your number, keep the old one long enough to tell your friends who call you, you'll be changing it and you'll call or text them with the new number. Texting them allows many phones to directly add the number to their phone book using the "extract number" function.
6) If you find you have no signal in your new home, or if you want a Local cellular number and none is available, you will need to change carriers. If you find you are Roaming off your original carrier's network, you may have your account cancelled after a few months. But don't worry about it until it happens. You can sometimes cancel your account without penalty if you have no coverage, but you'll need to prove it with a utility or similar bill. Many carriers are facing lawsuits for not allowing people out of their contracts after moving to areas with no coverage, so may need to press your case. Also, see How to Get out of a Cellular Contract.

TIP #4: LEAVE A VOICE MAIL MESSAGE WITHOUT RINGING THE OTHER PARTY'S PHONE
Some carriers have Voice Mail Access Numbers. In most cases, you can call those numbers, then enter the cellular number of the party you are calling, and then be directed to their Voice Mail, even your own, without ringing the phone. In some cases, these access numbers are no longer being supported. In that case, access your own Voice Mail and check the menu for an option to leave a message for another party. This may be limited to users of your own network. This may be considered a "Mobile to Mobile" call if you're on the same network.

TIP #5: HOW TO DEAL WITH 2-YEAR CONTRACTS
If you're going to do something that requires signing or renewing a 2-year contract, do it as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the sooner it ends, and quite often you're not really "stuck" for the whole 2 years. Even if you signed a 2-Year agreement, you can qualify for a new phone after as little as 1 year. Many carriers offer early upgrades for users with higher-priced plans, sometimes as little as $49, and some let you sneak into a new free or discounted phone after 20 or 22 months of your 24-month obligation. They might not tell you this unless you ask, and sometimes the offer isn't extended to users with a number of complaints, late payments or other "problems" with their account. Mark it on your calendar to start calling half way through your contract and you just might be surprised. Get more ideas at How to Get Out of a Cellular Contract.

TIP #6 SEND TEXT MESSAGES FOR FREE
Sending a Text to an email address gives you a Free way to send a Text Message (SMS) to a cellular phone, or a convenient way to send that Text Message without leaving your computer and finding your cell phone. You only need to know the recipient's wireless carrier, and even if you don't, you can guess. An incorrect number will not be delivered to an unintended phone. Replies should return to you by email. Email to Text Message Addresses.

TIP #7 GET A PHONE NUMBER IN THE AREA CODE YOU WANT
Your wireless carrier may not be able to provide a phone number in your choice of Area Codes. It's important to some people. With "Number Portability" you can fix that, although it's not free. Contact your local wireline phone company and order a real phone line (or wireless from a cellular carrier that does offer service in your desired Area Code, but watch out for Early Termination Fees). You can "install" the wireline in a home or business, some phone companies will assign you a "virtual" phone number that rings another. You may not have many choices of numbers. Then, contact your cellular provider to "port" your number from wireline (or wireless) to your final wireless account. The final wireless carrier will help you through that. This action will cancel the old service for you. Don't do it yourself, but check with the carrier later to make sure it terminated properly. There are more tips for number portability here.

Of, course, you could keep the new wireline active and just Call Forward that number to your cell phone. This can be done with both actual and virtual phone numbers. You may need to pay for a certain amount of service, installation charges, and go through the headache choosing a long distance carrier, but how bad you you want it?

TIP #8: FORGOT YOUR PHONE? WHAT TO DO
At your next opportunity, call your wireless carrier and ask them to forward your calls to a number that will be convenient to you. This is the time to take advantage of your glove box phone or the phone of a person you will be spending some time with. Otherwise, use what phone you can find to check your voice mail. Then, when you are reunited with your own phone, you can cancel Call Forwarding yourself. Store the code in your phone book so you won't need to look it up.

TIP #9: FORGOT YOUR BATTERY CHARGER WHILE TRAVELING? ASK YOUR HOTEL!
Cell phone chargers are the Number 1 item left behind in hotel rooms. Most hotels are willing to lend cords from their lost and found.

TIP #10: "DO THE MATH" ON YOUR PLAN
You don't always save on a "Family Plan". Consider separate plans for each user to get more minutes for each. Also, you might be paying more for "unlimited" features, like Data and Text, when an "a la carte" or pay-per-use plan could save you substantial fees. Sit down with 6 months of your bills (1 year is better) and look at your charges compared to your usage. Most carriers offer an analysis of your usage on their "my account" pages. Also, there may be better "bundles" and features available now than when you first signed up. Also, consider switching to Pay As You Go. Also, check to see how to get Cheaper Wireless.

TIP #11: HOW TO HEAR YOUR PHONE CONVERSATION IN A NOISY ROOM
Don't stick your finger in the opposite ear. Instead, put your finger over the mouthpiece, or use the phone's "Mute" button. The noise is coming in through the phone, not into your other ear. The mouthpiece is normally a very small hole near the bottom of the phone and is easy to cover. The "Mute" button on some phones is not easy to press "on" and "off" during a conversation, so your finger may be the easier method.

TIP #12: IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO PROGRAM INTO YOUR PHONE
-Add an entry in your phone book, "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) and a relative's phone number. In case of an accident, it gives you a better chance of your being identified and relatives notified.
-Add the Local direct number to certain Public Safety agencies, like *CSP, #77 and the like. A 911 operator needs to determine the nature of your call, but a direct call to the right agency will expedite your request.
-Make sure you enter a number for "Home", even if you never call home. It's the number one way for someone who finds a lost cell phone to return it to the owner.
-Add a number for some kind of directory search. "411" works for some carriers, but a Free option is to use Google's automated directory at 1-800-GOOG-411 (800-466-4411). Because it's free, you'll be more likely to use it from time to time, making it a familiar process when you're under stress.
-If you belong to AAA or other auto club, be sure to save their number in your phone book. In some cases, your auto manufacturer and insurance company may offer help as well.
-You'll need help when the utilities go out. Add your power company and land line repair service to the list.
-Do NOT add "911" to your speed dial list. This alone accounts for a huge number of accidental calls to 911 operators. Learn about Wireless 911.
-Do these things now...before you need them!



TIP #13 YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED TO CHANGE PLANS TO GET A NEW PHONE
In some cases it's true, but in many it is not. When you buy a new phone from a carrier, they would lead you to believe that it is required, but it's not necessarily so. Customer Service and store employees are trained to tell you otherwise, but usually retreat when you insist. You may need to press the issue. Some carriers automatically change the plan when you purchase a new phone. Check your account after you get a new phone and make sure you're on the right plan. The billing computer may have made the change without anyone knowing. It is normal to require a 1- or 2-year renewal of your contract to get a good price on a certain phone, but you can often avoid that if you pay a higher price for the phone.

TIP #14: DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!
Most of us have accepted that fact the cell phones can be used safely while driving, but there are exceptions. First, "texting" while driving is nearly suicidal. Your eyes are off the road for much too long of a period while you search for certain letters on the phone. Almost as dangerous is the manual entry of phone numbers. You are just not aware of how much time you are not looking where you're going or what you're about to hit. Spend the time to load all your called numbers into your phone book. Statistically, entering info on your phone while driving is worse than driving drunk. Pull over and stay alive. Never Text and Drive!

TIP #15: GET A BIG DISCOUNT IF YOU'RE OVER 65, FROM YOUR EMPLOYER OR WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Most wireless carriers have special discount programs for people who are included in certain groups or situations. Some offer unique plans for those 65 years and older, kids phones with calling limits, inexpensive "Lifeline" and "Lifelink" programs for people on government-subsidized programs, some plans as low as $1. Also ask about deals for employees of certain companies and government agencies, residents who have no wireline service available, school students, and more. Many Customer Service agents don't know about these, or are instructed not to alert you about them, and you need to ask them to look. These offers are also available among smaller carriers.

TIP #16: HATE YOUR CARRIER BUT LOVE THEIR NETWORK?
Many wireless carriers 'rent' their network to other companies, and those companies, called "MVNO's" (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), may be easier to deal with. An example is that Tracfone uses, among others, the AT&T network. Tracfone sells their own phones and provides their own customer service. There are several others, mostly prepaid, and we list the best of them on Alternative Networks.

TIP #17: NEED MORE MINUTES? JUST ASK!
One of the most common self-inflicted wounds is running out of minutes before we run out of month. In many cases the carriers will be able to spot you a few minutes to help you get through the tough times. As with any call to customer Service, you might need to press the issue. Don't use additional "force", just use multiple pleas. You might use the terms, "what can I do?" instead of "what can you do?" The agent needs to look at your records to see if you've been naughty or nice. Don't expect to be given anything if you're always asking. Quite often the request for extra minutes for this month goes down a little easier when you ask for a more expensive plan for next month. Some carriers will change your plan retroactively, and some will now do it without a contract extension. Often you can change back if your circumstances change again.

TIP #18: DON'T CARRY 2 PHONES!
Some of us now have one wireless phone for Personal use, and another for Work. Use Call Forwarding from one to the other to keep from carrying both all day. Even better, use a form of "Conditional" Call Forwarding and if you don't answer the first phone within a few rings it Forwards to the second, without needing to be programmed each time you switch phones. And you could Forward the second phone to your home or office voice mail, or yet another cell phone's voice mail. Some prepaid phones can be had for less than $50 a year just to use their voice mail.



TIP #19: LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR PHONE WHEN "ROAMING"
You're on vacation and want to check your voice mail, but it won't work. If you are roaming outside your network's service area you may need to call your own number, instead. Codes like "*VM" may not work while roaming. If you're out of the country, a certain dialing sequence is required. GSM phones may decipher the sequence for you by adding a "+" before the number, but most likely, your phone book entries won't work without adding the proper prefix. Check your carrier's web site or customer service for instructions on what to do if you travel off their network.

TIP #20: GET A MORE "BUSINESSLIKE" PHONE NUMBER FOR YOUR CELLULAR PHONE
When you place an ad in the newspaper, Yellow Pages or your business card, often customers know that's a cell phone number, making your business look a little less 'legitimate.' With "Number Portability" you can fix that, although it's not free.

Contact your local wireline phone company and order a real phone line. You can "install" it wherever you'd like, some phone companies will assign you a "virtual" phone number that rings another. You won't have many choices of a number, but choose one with an "old" exchange people would recognize, or one that you recognize as "businesslike". Then, contact your cellular provider to "port" your number from wireline to wireless. You may need to establish a new wireless account, but the wireless carrier will help you through that. This action will cancel the wireline for you. Don't do it yourself, but check with the wireline later to make sure it terminated properly. There are more tips for number portability here. Of, course, you could keep the new wireline number and just forward the number to your cell phone. This can be done with both actual and virtual phone numbers.

You may need to pay for a certain amount of wireline service, installation charges, and go through the headache choosing a long distance carrier, but in the end, you'll look like you're in business at an 'established' location.

TIP #21: MAKE YOUR PHONE ROAM (or NOT Roam) TO ACCESS A STRONGER SIGNAL
There are different menu selections in some phones that will help you change which network the phone accesses. Some of these selections are called "Mode" or "Network", and they can be switched to "Cell Only", "PCS Only," "Roam Only", or similar, which may give you a different network. There is also a "NAM" or "Line" choice that will allow you to program a different "Home" network into the second, or main, "NAM" (Number Address Module). You would change the System ID (SID) for your own network to the roaming network. We have a page with a List of SID's. Hints on how to perform these changes can be found by conducting an internet search.

TIP #22: CAN'T GET THE PLAN OR CARRIER YOU WANT IN YOUR AREA? SIGN UP WITH A DIFFERENT ADDRESS, OR AT WORK
Some carriers forbid this, but most don't care. Sign up with an address of a friend or relative in the area you'd like. Most carriers will allow you to go "paperless" and pay online or on the phone, and you won't have a bill going to the friend's address. You can also sign up with your work address and get the bills there. this is very common. Your employer also may have a discount deal with certain carriers. See "Are You Special", above. Be aware that you might not get a phone number local to your 'real' home. If that's important, you can get an '800' number. Expect to explain if most of your calls are off the carrier's network. You could even get bumped off as a customer.



TIP #23: GET A PROMOTIONAL PLAN AND A NEW PHONE AT THE SAME TIME
Combine signing a new contract for a promotional plan with getting a new phone at a promotional price. Almost all carriers let you do both for the same contract obligation, although changing the plan usually only obligates you to one additional year.

TIP #24: INTERNATIONAL WIRELESS LONG DISTANCE BARGAINS
Some carriers charge as much as .65 per minute for Long Distance charges to foreign countries, but you can make those calls for a few pennies per minute, or FREE! Here are 2 great alternatives:

• TracFone customers get a toll-free number to call and then enter their international number and complete the call for FREE! You only pay the TracFone per-minute air charges.
• Use any Prepaid calling card with lower rates. You can add the access number to your wireless phone book, or enter the whole sequence with your frequently-called numbers. Calls, for example, to Mexico, can be as low as .03 per minute, with no monthly fees.
• Some carriers offer flat rate international calls. For example, MetroPCS charges $5 a month for free calls to several countries. Check the country list before signing up.