OwnPhone Up Front --

Is this your first cell phone?   Take a few minutes to let OwnPhone.Com explain some common misconceptions and make a few suggestions to help you with your decision about your new cellular phone...

What's Activation --
When you get your new cell phone, it will have to be "activated". Activation is a simple and quick system where the cell phone carrier programs your new cell phone number into the cell phone. A Cell Phone Carrier is the cell phone service provider such as Cellular One or Cingular which provides cell phone system service for cell phone customers. This cell phone number is linked to your cell phone's serial number. When you make a call, your cell phone number and your cell phone serial number are broadcast to the cellular carrier. Both numbers must match the "activation"numbers. Because of this two-number system, you can always be certain that nobody can steal your airtime or your cell phone number and use it on another cell phone

It is all Airtime --
Cellular phone service is billed by aitime minutes. Whether you are talking or listening, you are always using cellular airtime. You even have to pay for the airtime when calling 1-800 or 1-888 toll free numbers! Remember: The number is only toll free, not airtime free!

Be Careful Roaming --
When you out of your cellular area and you try to make a cell phone call, your cell phone will go into "roaming" mode and try to connect to the cell phone service provider closest to it. This all happens automatically and the "roam" light will come on to tell you your cell phone is in "roaming" mode. The cell phone service provider closest to you provides the cell phone airtime but charges your regular cell phone provider who bills you. Because there are at least two cell phone companies involved with every "roaming" call, "roaming"charges are usually much higher than regular home cell phone service.

Batteries --
A fully charged portable cell phone can usually be left on for several days before the cell phone battery will lose power if no call are made. It takes the mosty battery power to broadcast and very little to receive. That is why you will use up the battery faster talking on the cell phone.

No Hassle Prepaid --
          For hassle-free cell phone activation, OwnPhone.Com suggests you consider prepaid cell phone service. With Prepaid cell phone service, There are no contracts, no monthly bills, no credit checks, no deposits and no activation fees. You pay for your own cell phone service in advance. The system works everywhere and nationwide long distance can included. As you use up airtime, the amount is deducted from your account. Your cell phone has a Balance Display that shows how many minutes you use, how many minutes are left and when you need to buy more airtime. Most cell phone companies sell airtime in 30, 60, or 90 minute blocks, so you control your costs. Pay as often or as little as you like. However, it is usually best to buy the largest block of cell phone airtime that you can afford because the larger the block, the lower the per-minute cost.
          So, if you are looking for a free cell phone with service, but where there are no contracts, no monthly bills, no credit checks, no deposits and no activation fees, OwnPhone.Com suggests you consider prepaid cell phone service like TracFone above.

TracFone comes with everything you need to get started. The TracFone box includes a Nokia wireless phone, battery and charger, 60 days of service and up to 30 minutes of prepaid starter airtime upon activation With Web activation and e-mail registration. Every TracFone features the Airtime , does not require applications, credit checks, cell phone service contracts or monthly bills. Cell Phone Accessories --
          OwnPhone.Com suggests you consider checking out optional cell phone accessories including extra batteries, vehicle antennas, battery chargers, battery conditioners, car chargers, hands free cell phone kits, and leather cases.

Using a Cell Phone Behind the Wheel
           OwnPhone.Com would like to remind you that there are potential hazards and safety concerns involved in using a cell phone while driving. We suggest you avoid using your cell phone while driving in traffic. If you need to make a call on your cell phone, OwnPhone.Com recommends that you pull over and park the car before dialing. If you receive a call on your own phone while driving, we recommend you keep the conversation as short as possible. For instance," I'm driving right now, let me pull over and I will call you right back" .
          However, If you see an emergency situation, don't hesitate to call 911. Make a note your whereabouts such as cross streets, landmarks, mile markers or house numbers and exit numbers.   Federal Regulations mandate that all cell phones,even those without a validated service contract, must be able to make free 911 calls any where in the US.