Finding the Right Mobile Phone

Shopping for a mobile phone today is anything but easy. With so many carriers offering a variety of calling plans, it pays to do your homework. Take the following quiz to figure out what’s best for you (more than one answer may apply for each question):

1. I plan to use a mobile phone:

a. For emergencies only: 2 points

b. To occasionally order a pizza and tell friends I’m stuck in traffic: 3 points

c. To check my voicemail and e-mail: 4 points

d. As my only phone: 4 points

2. I plan to make calls from:

a. Beach and mountain areas: 3 points

b. The desert: 3 points

c. Manhattan to Moscow: 4 points

d. My house: 4 points

3. The phone I’m interested in should:

a. Be free: 1 point

b. Have protection from electronic eavesdropping: 2 points

c. Be able to accommodate additional calling features: 2 points

d. Work on different carriers’ networks: 3 points

4. For my monthly service, I want to pay:

a. As little as possible: 1 point

b. Up to $40 a month: 3 points

c. A set amount: 1 point

d. A flat per-minute fee with no roaming charges: 3 points

5. Additional features I want include:

a. Three-way calling: 2 points

b. Call forwarding: 2 points

c. Voicemail: 2 points

d. E-mail: 2 points

6. Other accessories I’m interested in include:

a. A hands-free stand: 3 points

b. A microphone that clips on to my shirt: 3 points

c. An extra battery: 2 points

d. A carrying case: 2 points

7. I should sign a contract if:

a. I want a big block of minutes to use on the weekend: 4 points

b. I want to sign up for a promotional plan: 1 point

c. I want a free phone: 1 point

d. I’ve always been searching for commitment and can’t seem to find it: 1 point

8. If I already have a mobile phone, it pays to review my service if:

a. I’ve had my phone for longer than three years: 2 points

b. I start to use my phone more often: 2 points

c. There’s a price war among carriers: 3 points

d. I’m not satisfied with my current carrier: 1 point

Analyzing Your Needs

Score of 0 to 21: You need a mobile phone strictly for emergency use. An analog phone will probably suit your needs. Analog networks are more complete, but the quality of reception can be poor. Digital networks may have spottier coverage, but they have better reception and allow for more features.

For analog service you can get a free or steeply discounted phone if you agree to sign a long-term contract. Because you plan to use your phone sparingly, you should consider a plan with a low monthly fee and a higher per-minute rate.

Consider getting an extra battery. If you’re unsure about your phone usage, figure out how many minutes a month you’re likely to need using the air time calculator at

https://www.wirelessdimension.com.

Look for a service plan that includes the number of minutes you need.

Score of 22 to 39: You’re likely to be a moderate mobile phone user who makes frequent short calls. A dual-mode phone that works on both analog and digital networks should suit your needs best. Most digital phones will not work on competitors’ networks.

There are several types of digital service to choose from, each with different sound characteristics. For a description, visit the Telecommunications Research & Action Center’s Web site at

https://www.trac.org

and order its guide to wireless phone service. Look for plans that include the first 60 to 120 minutes per month for a fee of $20 to $40. The higher the monthly fee, the lower the per-minute charge.

Be aware that promotional plans are typically good only for a limited time, after which a higher fee will kick in. If you want to ensure that your monthly bill remains in the double digits or if you have poor credit, you can prepay for a monthly bank of minutes.

See story, C1

Score of 40 to 58: You love the idea of using one phone number and one phone at home and on the road. A digital phone with a larger screen for e-mail and messages is right for you. Digital phones, which allow for longer talk time, typically cost $50 to $500.

Look for a plan from one of Los Angeles’ five wireless providers that does not have roaming and long-distance charges. One-rate plans that feature a flat per-minute rate and a flat monthly fee for calling throughout the country are a good fit.

Be sure to ask about rules with any plan. These minutes can often be used only on the weekend and only in your local service area. Separate charges may be added to your bill each time you use an add-on service such as voicemail or call forwarding.

Times staff writer Jennifer Oldham can be reached at jennifer.oldham@latimes.com.