Upgrading Your Plan and Model Cell Phone.
Emerging technology has exploded with all the new phones that browse the internet, take pictures, voice dial, games, color screens and I could go on and on.
Now that you can take your cell phone number and use it with another carrier people are switching their cell phone providers.  We have all seen the commerical - can you hear me now?  This is not enirely true but getting better.
Digitial service over cellular service brought more features and more smaller phones.  Digitial service has basically three types of services - TDMA, CDMA and GSM.
TDMA - You could use your phone in your home area and roam on another network when you traveled.  Nationwide plans offer you no roaming fees or long distance which used to be quite spendy.  TDMA service is still in existance but is not being sold by some the major carriers. 
The major players that were TDMA are changing their towers to CDMA or GSM in order to offer you more capabilities with your phone and you can subscribe to additional services to use the new technology. 
Text messaging is a favorite of the younger generation because they can send messages during class and have their phone on silent. Text messaging is a great way to get your message to someone without using minutes from your plan.  Unless you subscribe to text messaging it does cost.  Maybe you got it when you signed up for service.
I have already addressed GSM technology.  Great features, very secure,  but limited to the GSM area.  Your phone will not roam unless you have a dual band phone.  So I got the latest technology and all these great features but I when I have a flat tires outside the network I better start walking because the phone will not even contact 911.  Yes, no service at all.  If you live or travel in the boonies you may or may not have service when you need it. 
Did you know that your old phone that did roam i.e. the old bag phone, analog or even your older cell phone if it was daul band (can pick up two networks) TDMA  or CDMA can still rescue you when your GSM phone is out of network?  You can always dial 911 or 611 whether the phone is activated or not.  So don't dump that old phone. It could save you in an emergency.  But remember, it does need to be charged.  That old bag phone can come in handy!
CDMA technology i.e, Sprint, Cricket, Verizon and now other major carriers are changing to CDMA so the new phones with all the features will work.  Most CDMA phones are dual band.  That means they will roam if outside your network.  Take pictures and send them to someone instantly.Great if you have that flat tire.
Do you have a plan that you don't want to give up?  What if you do not want to go to GSM because you travel in areas there would be no service.  Since the TDMA service is not being sold in the major markets if you want to upgrade your phone - you are talked into signing a two year agreement to get a new phone but you also can't keep your old plan and get a new phone through your carrier.  What do you do? 
EBAY!  Yes, you can buy cell phones on EBAY that can replace your old TDMA or CDMA phone.  You have to be careful when you buy from anyone on EBAY - check their feedback before you buy!  Also, be careful that you buy a phone for your network and not another network.  For example,  I have Cingular TDMA service, nationwide plan.  It is not offered anymore.  I do not want to give up my TDMA serice because I live and go in areas that GSM will not work.  I upgrade my phone by buying a TDMA Cingular network phone on EBAY.  After you get the new phone you can take it to your dealer and they will change the ESN number for your account and program your number in the new phone.  Some stores also have the capability of transferring all your saved numbers from one phone to another.  If not, you can enter them in just like you did before.  Outcome?  You get to keep your old plan and you get a new phone!
Advice - choose wisely when you choose your carrier and your phone.  Look at the network coverage and don't compromise by thinking that you can do without service when you are in certain places.  You never know what is going to happen.  Take that old bag phone or handheld phone with you just in case.
You may get a free phone when you change plans but you are signing an agreement to stay with them for two years.  Two years!  Think how the technology has changed in just this past year.  Free phones come with a price.  You might want to consider paying more for your phone through your dealer or buy one off the internet and only be committed to a one years agreement. 
If you don't use the phone much you can consider pre-pay.  You buy your mintues when you need them. It is more expensive but allows one to have a phone and not have to pass a credit check.
Just a thought - do we really need all that technology?  On the news the other night some one was in trouble by taking pictures they should not have and putting them on the internet.  I certainly do not want my picture taken by a stanger without permission.  There are definite advantages to having capable phones that browse, take pictures, text message, hook up to your computer and more.  Having been in this business since 1996 I have found that a good portion of people with cell phones don't even know how to use voice mail or program numbers in there phone. 
I may be old fashion but when I grew up phones were meant for talking.  Some day I will change but not until the new technology network is built out to work where I live or travel.  I definitely do not like to walk in 100 degree weather to have a tire fixed.
Again, choose wisely. 
I started AKcessories so people could get phone accessories at prices they can afford.  I have been called "The Faceplate Queen" because we carry such a big variety of design faceplates.  I like to have my phone decorated and always will. 
We take out of the package, inspect and assemble all faceplates sold on our retail site before shipping.  It is amazing how many faceplates come to us from our suppliers that have bad paint, broken or scratched.  It is teadious and takes longer to ship orders but we want to have customers that come back.  At our shows we install all faceplates and keypads for the customer.  You should see their face light up when you show them their phone all decorated!
Come back soon!