Wireless Service
IS ALL WIRELESS SERVICE THE SAME, AND HOW IS WIRELESS COVERAGE SET UP? IF I'M IN MY SERVICE AREA, WHY ARE THERE DROPPED CALLS AND DEAD SPOTS?
Today, most wireless service is digital, though some providers, especially in rural areas, still rely on analog service. Analog systems, the prevalent technology when wireless service was initially deployed, transmit voice signals through the air using radio waves. Digital technology also uses radio waves, but converts the voice signals to computer "ones and zeros" that are transmitted through electronic pulses to be reassembled after delivery. Because the voice packets are digitized, digital wireless eliminates much of the static noise; offers clearer, more secure calls; and includes more features than analog.
The area where you can make and receive wireless calls is determined by where your carrier has a license and where it has built out its network. Wireless networks work like grids that divide service areas into smaller cells. When you travel beyond your carrier's area, you still may be able to use your wireless service–in this case, provided by the wireless carrier in the area where you are traveling. This is called roaming, and it enables customers to connect using another carrier's network. If your wireless carrier has a "roaming agreement" with another carrier and if your wireless handset allows roaming, you will be able to connect with the other network to use your wireless service.
Even within your own coverage area–regardless of whether you have analog or digital service–limitations in your carrier's network facilities and capacity can interfere with wireless call quality and completion. If the carrier's network fails to hand off calls in progress as a customer travels from one coverage area to another, a "dropped call" results. A large number of callers using the network at the same time can strain capacity, so others will get a busy signal when they try to connect. Terrain also affects coverage, causing "dead" spots–areas where service is spotty or unavailable because the signal between the handset and the tower is blocked or impeded. In addition, wireless signals often fade inside buildings or underground.
CUTTING THE CORD: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SWITCHING YOUR SERVICE TO WIRELESS
As a community based telecom provider with deep ties here in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties, Comporium wants our customers to know exactly what it means to "go wireless"–to terminate your traditional wireline phone and switch to wireless as your sole connection. If you decide to port your telephone number to a wireless carrier, we want to give you an idea of some of the service differences between traditional wireline phones and what you can expect from a wireless carrier:
If you port your wireline (traditional) phone number to a wireless carrier, you will be disconnecting your wireline phone and terminating your traditional local service. You may no longer enjoy unlimited local calling; in many case, you will need to be aware of the number of minutes that are included in your wireless plan, and keep in mind that in many cases (especially if you calling someone using a different wireless carrier), both the calls you make and those you receive will count against your total minutes; and, you will be responsible to pay for any overages. When you switch your service to a wireless carrier, you may be required to purchase a new phone and sign an "extended" service agreement; most wireless plans require up to a 24-month service contract, and significant penalties may apply if you decide to terminate the agreement before its expiration. You will have to arrange with your wireless provider for a directory listing and directory assistance services. In an emergency, E-911 service can pinpoint your traditional home phone, but in most cases, not your cell phone. You will no longer have access to all the other telecom services that Comporium offers, or such services as alarm monitoring and video pay-per-view that are connected or confirmed through your wireline phone. You will be unable to reach someone at your home who does not have their cell phone on or with them. You will have to keep your wireless phone charged at all times; if the power goes out and your phone is not charged, or the battery wears down, you will have to wait until power is restored before you can charge your phone. Should you decide to re-connect your wireline phone service in the future, you will be responsible for applicable set-up fees and charges to connect your home phone. In general, a phone number can only be assigned to a single wireless phone. With a traditional wireline phone, you can have many phones (or extensions) in your house that hook up to the same number. Typically, wireless phones can't share numbers. If your home is in an area that does not enjoy clear wireless reception, your calls might be patchy, unclear, or have a tendency to drop. Be aware of your surroundings and the type of reception that your wireless phone gets at home, as this is the type of service quality you'll have for all your calls.
With all the services and features–not to mention, reliability–you stand to lose, we raise the question, why would you want to disconnect your wireline phone?
