Wireless Consumer Checklist: Guide for Buying Mobile Devices

CTIA released a checklist to help consumers navigate the tedious process of choosing cell phone carriers and plans.

The “Wireless Consumer Checklist” is a compilation of helpful questions that consumers can ask customer representatives when choosing their wireless services, plans and devices.

“In our fiercely competitive industry, wireless carriers are constantly innovating to win and keep their customers by providing a wide variety of options. The CTIA Wireless Consumer Checklist Initiative will help ensure wireless consumers understand their choices when selecting the services and devices that best meet their needs,” said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association in a statement.

There are two separate checklists: one for choosing your service and device; the other for general wireless frequently asked questions.

Bot checklists can be printed out, so consumers can go through the lists, making notes and checking off the different criteria. Though many of the question are obvious (How many (and what type of) voice minutes are included in the plan?), some are more nuanced, and should serve to educate consumers, giving them a greater knowledge of their options.

Some of the answers to these questions are good to know but could easily be forgotten when speaking with an account rep. In the excitement of buying a new phone, for example, one might not be thinking in terms of early termination fees and third-party content.

The Wireless Consumer Checklist could act as a reminder if nothing else, helping you be thorough when purchasing your mobile device and plan.

Perhaps such actions will help prevent bill shock in the future.

Below are a few sample questions. The checklists can be downloaded here and here or on the CTIA website.

Sample Questions:

“Can I change plans during the contract term?”

“Where can I learn about what international services are available and how much they cost?”

“What tools are available that will help me monitor and manage my data, text and voice usage?”

“Are additional fees and surcharges added to my bill?”